Socrates; the father of western philosophy

[Audio] Socrates; the father of western philosophy By: Frank Gilbert III Socrates; the father of western philosophy. By Frank Gilbert.

[Audio] Biography In the Athenian deme of Alopece, Sophroniscus and Phaenarete were stoneworkers and midwives, respectively, in 470 and 469 BC. As a result, Socrates was born to relatively wealthy Athenians and was consequently an Athenian citizen. He was able to live a worry-free existence because he lived near his father's family and received, as was customary, a portion of his father's estate. He was educated in accordance with Athens' rules and traditions. Like the majority of affluent Athenians, he received additional instruction in a variety of other subjects, including music, poetry, and gymnastics, in addition to learning the fundamentals of reading and writing. Biography. In the Athenian deme of Alopece, Sophroniscus and Phaenarete were stoneworkers and midwives, respectively, in 470 and 469 BC. As a result, Socrates was born to relatively wealthy Athenians and was consequently an Athenian citizen. He was able to live a worry-free existence because he lived near his father's family and received, as was customary, a portion of his father's estate. He was educated in accordance with Athens' rules and traditions. Like the majority of affluent Athenians, he received additional instruction in a variety of other subjects, including music, poetry, and gymnastics, in addition to learning the fundamentals of reading and writing..

[Audio] Biography continued The people of Athens, particularly the young people, were very interested in Socrates. His pals made fun of his appearance since he was infamously ugly, with a big belly, bulging eyes, and a flat turned-up nose. Material pleasures, such as his own comfort and attractiveness, did not matter to Socrates. He had only one tattered coat, walked barefoot, showered seldom, and neglected personal hygiene. He did not abstain completely, but he did moderate his eating, drinking, and sex. Socrates fought his passion for young men because, as Plato explains, he was more concerned in educating their souls. This was true even if his attraction to youth was normal and accepted in ancient Greece. In terms of politics, he condemned both the Athens oligarchs and the Democrats, but he did not take sides in the conflict. Socrates's personality as presented in Apology, Crito, Phaedo, and Symposium is so consistent with other sources that Plato's portrayal of Socrates in these works is deemed to be accurate. Biography continued. The people of Athens, particularly the young people, were very interested in Socrates. His pals made fun of his appearance since he was infamously ugly, with a big belly, bulging eyes, and a flat turned-up nose. Material pleasures, such as his own comfort and attractiveness, did not matter to Socrates. He had only one tattered coat, walked barefoot, showered seldom, and neglected personal hygiene. He did not abstain completely, but he did moderate his eating, drinking, and sex. Socrates fought his passion for young men because, as Plato explains, he was more concerned in educating their souls. This was true even if his attraction to youth was normal and accepted in ancient Greece. In terms of politics, he condemned both the Athens oligarchs and the Democrats, but he did not take sides in the conflict. Socrates's personality as presented in Apology, Crito, Phaedo, and Symposium is so consistent with other sources that Plato's portrayal of Socrates in these works is deemed to be accurate..

[Audio] Crimes Socrates was officially charged in 399 BC with corrupting the minds of Athens' youth and asebeia (impiety), which is the worship of false gods rather than the Athens gods. Socrates made an ineffective defense throughout the trial. A jury consisting of hundreds of male Athenians found him guilty by a majority vote. In accordance with the custom, he suggested his own punishment, which was either a fine of one mina of silver or free food and housing from the state in exchange for his services to the city. His offer was rejected by the jurors, who instead imposed the death punishment. In a politically sensitive environment, Socrates was charged. After the Spartans defeated the Athenians in the pivotal naval battle of Aegospotami in 404 BC, the Spartans besieged Athens. They installed a new, pro-oligarchic government known as the Thirty Tyrants in lieu of the democratic one. Some Athenians banded together to oust the Tyrants because to their oppressive tactics, and they were successful for a short time until a Spartan appeal for assistance from the Thirty arrived and a compromise was negotiated. But when the Spartans left once more, the democrats took advantage of the chance to assassinate the oligarchs and take over Athens' government. Crimes. Socrates was officially charged in 399 BC with corrupting the minds of Athens' youth and asebeia (impiety), which is the worship of false gods rather than the Athens gods. Socrates made an ineffective defense throughout the trial. A jury consisting of hundreds of male Athenians found him guilty by a majority vote. In accordance with the custom, he suggested his own punishment, which was either a fine of one mina of silver or free food and housing from the state in exchange for his services to the city. His offer was rejected by the jurors, who instead imposed the death punishment. In a politically sensitive environment, Socrates was charged. After the Spartans defeated the Athenians in the pivotal naval battle of Aegospotami in 404 BC, the Spartans besieged Athens. They installed a new, pro-oligarchic government known as the Thirty Tyrants in lieu of the democratic one. Some Athenians banded together to oust the Tyrants because to their oppressive tactics, and they were successful for a short time until a Spartan appeal for assistance from the Thirty arrived and a compromise was negotiated. But when the Spartans left once more, the democrats took advantage of the chance to assassinate the oligarchs and take over Athens' government..

[Audio] Crimes and Socrates response Meletus, a poet, brought the charges against Socrates by requesting the death penalty in connection with the asebeia charge. Lycon and Anytus were other accusers. The trial began a month or two later, in late spring or early summer, and probably lasted for the better part of a day. The charges based on religion came from two major sources. First, Socrates denied that the gods were as wicked as people, rejecting the anthropomorphism of classical Greek religion. Secondly, it appeared that he believed in a daimonion, an inner voice that had a divine origin, as his accusers implied. Plato's Apology begins with Socrates responding to the different accusations made against him that led to the prosecution. First, Socrates fights the myth that he is a sophist or an atheist naturalist philosopher, as depicted in Aristophanes's The Clouds.In response to the accusations of corrupting the youth, Socrates states that he has never purposefully corrupted anyone because doing so would put one at risk of being corrupted in return, which is irrational given that corruption is desired. Socrates requests clarity on the second charge. In response, Meletus reiterates the charge that Socrates is an atheist. Socrates points out that worshiping false gods and atheism are incompatible. He goes on to say that he is "God's gift" to the Athenians because his actions eventually help Athens; therefore, Athens itself will suffer the most if he is put to death. Then, hinting that wealth and status are not as valuable as people believe, he states that although no human can achieve wisdom, pursuing it is the best thing one can do. Crimes and Socrates response. Meletus, a poet, brought the charges against Socrates by requesting the death penalty in connection with the asebeia charge. Lycon and Anytus were other accusers. The trial began a month or two later, in late spring or early summer, and probably lasted for the better part of a day. The charges based on religion came from two major sources. First, Socrates denied that the gods were as wicked as people, rejecting the anthropomorphism of classical Greek religion. Secondly, it appeared that he believed in a daimonion, an inner voice that had a divine origin, as his accusers implied. Plato's Apology begins with Socrates responding to the different accusations made against him that led to the prosecution. First, Socrates fights the myth that he is a sophist or an atheist naturalist philosopher, as depicted in Aristophanes's The Clouds.In response to the accusations of corrupting the youth, Socrates states that he has never purposefully corrupted anyone because doing so would put one at risk of being corrupted in return, which is irrational given that corruption is desired. Socrates requests clarity on the second charge. In response, Meletus reiterates the charge that Socrates is an atheist. Socrates points out that worshiping false gods and atheism are incompatible. He goes on to say that he is "God's gift" to the Athenians because his actions eventually help Athens; therefore, Athens itself will suffer the most if he is put to death. Then, hinting that wealth and status are not as valuable as people believe, he states that although no human can achieve wisdom, pursuing it is the best thing one can do..

[Audio] Crimes Continued After being found guilty, Socrates was given the opportunity to propose other penalties for himself. He had the option to ask for permission to leave Athens and live in exile, but he chose not to. Xenophon claims that Socrates offered no suggestions, but Plato claims that he did advise that he be given free meals every day as a token of appreciation for his value to Athens or, more seriously, that he be fined. The jurors forced him to drink a cup of hemlock, a toxic substance, in support of the death penalty. In exchange, Socrates forewarned the Athenians and jurors that unless they changed their ways, they would unavoidably be criticized by his numerous pupils. Socrates' final day in prison was delayed by religious rites in Athens. When his buddies paid him a visit, they gave him the chance to get away, but he turned them down. What drove the Athenians to imprison Socrates is still a contentious issue among academics. Two theories exist. First, Socrates was found guilty for religious reasons; second, he was charged and found guilty for political reasons. A different, more modern perspective combines the political and theological theories, contending that in ancient Athens, religion and state were one and the same. Crimes continued. After being found guilty, Socrates was given the opportunity to propose other penalties for himself. He had the option to ask for permission to leave Athens and live in exile, but he chose not to. Xenophon claims that Socrates offered no suggestions, but Plato claims that he did advise that he be given free meals every day as a token of appreciation for his value to Athens or, more seriously, that he be fined. The jurors forced him to drink a cup of hemlock, a toxic substance, in support of the death penalty. In exchange, Socrates forewarned the Athenians and jurors that unless they changed their ways, they would unavoidably be criticized by his numerous pupils. Socrates' final day in prison was delayed by religious rites in Athens. When his buddies paid him a visit, they gave him the chance to get away, but he turned them down. What drove the Athenians to imprison Socrates is still a contentious issue among academics. Two theories exist. First, Socrates was found guilty for religious reasons; second, he was charged and found guilty for political reasons. A different, more modern perspective combines the political and theological theories, contending that in ancient Athens, religion and state were one and the same..

[Audio] Socratic Method The Socratic method, often known as the method of refutation, is a key feature of Plato's Socrates. It is especially noticeable in Plato's early writings, including Republic I, Apology, Crito, and Gorgias. This is how the normal elenchus works. Usually accompanied by a few young men and boys, Socrates starts a conversation with a recognized authority on the issue and uses dialogue to demonstrate that the expert's opinions and arguments are incongruous. Asking his interlocutor to define the topic is how Socrates starts the conversation. The interlocutor's responses progressively deviate from the initial definition as he poses further queries. It is concluded that the expert was initially unaware of the definition. It's possible that the other person will define it differently. Socratic questioning is then used to examine that new meaning. Both Socrates and his interlocutor seek to get closer to the truth with each round of questions and answers. More often than not, they keep displaying their ignorance. The conversation casts doubt on the consensus because the definitions provided by the interlocutors typically reflect the prevailing viewpoint on a certain issue. Socrates also uses the Socratic technique to test his own beliefs. As a result, Socrates does not impart a set of philosophical ideas. Instead, he admits his own ignorance while working alongside his students and listeners to find the truth. Socratic method, The Socratic method, often known as the method of refutation, is a key feature of Plato's Socrates. It is especially noticeable in Plato's early writings, including Republic I, Apology, Crito, and Gorgias. This is how the normal elenchus works. Usually accompanied by a few young men and boys, Socrates starts a conversation with a recognized authority on the issue and uses dialogue to demonstrate that the expert's opinions and arguments are incongruous. Asking his interlocutor to define the topic is how Socrates starts the conversation. The interlocutor's responses progressively deviate from the initial definition as he poses further queries. It is concluded that the expert was initially unaware of the definition. It's possible that the other person will define it differently. Socratic questioning is then used to examine that new meaning. Both Socrates and his interlocutor seek to get closer to the truth with each round of questions and answers. More often than not, they keep displaying their ignorance. The conversation casts doubt on the consensus because the definitions provided by the interlocutors typically reflect the prevailing viewpoint on a certain issue. Socrates also uses the Socratic technique to test his own beliefs. As a result, Socrates does not impart a set of philosophical ideas. Instead, he admits his own ignorance while working alongside his students and listeners to find the truth..

[Audio] The opinions of his era were questioned by Socrates's religious deviation, and his criticism changed the direction of religious conversation for decades to come. There were no sacred books in ancient Greece, and organized religion was dispersed and observed either through household rites or a variety of festivals honoring certain gods, such the City Dionysia. Citizens' daily lives were entwined with religion, and they primarily fulfilled their personal religious obligations by offering sacrifices to different deities. Since ancient times, there has been discussion on whether Socrates was a devout man or a "provocateur atheist"; accusations of impiety were made during his trial, and the argument has not yet ended. In Alcibiades, Euthyphro, and Apology, Socrates primarily addresses divinity and the soul. Socrates connects divinity with the human soul in Alcibiades. His rationalism often permeates his conversations about religion. In Euthyphro, Socrates comes to a conclusion that deviates greatly from the custom of the time: he believes that offerings to the gods are pointless, particularly when they are made in the hopes of obtaining a reward. Rather, he advocates for the primary means of worshiping the gods should be philosophy and the quest for knowledge. He suggested that Athenians should pursue religious experience through introspection after rejecting conventional forms of piety and linking them to self-interest. In contrast to conventional religion at the time, Socrates maintained that the gods were innately knowledgeable and just. The Euthyphro conundrum appears in Euthyphro. Regarding the connection between piety and the will of a strong deity, Socrates asks his interlocutor: Is anything excellent because it is the will of this god, or is it the will of this god because it is good? To put it another way, does piety follow God or the good? Lex talionis, or the eye for an eye concept, was taken for granted in classical Greek theology, which contrasts with the trajectory of Socratic philosophy. Socrates believed that gods had to be religious beings, and that goodness existed independently of them. Socrates religious views Socrates religious views. The opinions of his era were questioned by Socrates's religious deviation, and his criticism changed the direction of religious conversation for decades to come. There were no sacred books in ancient Greece, and organized religion was dispersed and observed either through household rites or a variety of festivals honoring certain gods, such the City Dionysia. Citizens' daily lives were entwined with religion, and they primarily fulfilled their personal religious obligations by offering sacrifices to different deities. Since ancient times, there has been discussion on whether Socrates was a devout man or a "provocateur atheist"; accusations of impiety were made during his trial, and the argument has not yet ended. In Alcibiades, Euthyphro, and Apology, Socrates primarily addresses divinity and the soul. Socrates connects divinity with the human soul in Alcibiades. His rationalism often permeates his conversations about religion. In Euthyphro, Socrates comes to a conclusion that deviates greatly from the custom of the time: he believes that offerings to the gods are pointless, particularly when they are made in the hopes of obtaining a reward. Rather, he advocates for the primary means of worshiping the gods should be philosophy and the quest for knowledge. He suggested that Athenians should pursue religious experience through introspection after rejecting conventional forms of piety and linking them to self-interest. In contrast to conventional religion at the time, Socrates maintained that the gods were innately knowledgeable and just. The Euthyphro conundrum appears in Euthyphro. Regarding the connection between piety and the will of a strong deity, Socrates asks his interlocutor: Is anything.

[Audio] Socrates religious views continued In Plato's Apology, Socrates supports his believe in gods by telling the jurors that he acknowledges them more than his accusers. The existence of gods is assumed by Plato's Socrates, who never questions their existence in any of his conversations. Given his exploration of the vast unknown after death in Apology, one could argue that Socrates was an agnostic. In Phaedo, his final dialogue with his students, Socrates expresses his unmistakable confidence in the immortality of the soul. He also thought that divinations, oracles, and other messages from the gods were real. These indications foretold negative future events rather than giving him any positive beliefs about moral matters. Socrates makes a similar argument to the modern teleological intelligent-design argument in Xenophon's Memorabilia. He asserts that a supernatural creator must have built the universe since many of its aspects show evidence of forethought. Since people naturally possess many talents that other animals do not, he concludes that the creator must be omniscient and omnipotent and that the cosmos was designed for the advancement of humanity. Socrates sometimes refers to a single god, while other times he alludes to multiple gods. This has been taken to indicate that he either thought that several gods were components, or manifestations, of this one deity, or that a supreme deity commanded other gods. It has been disputed how Socrates's strong dedication to reason and his religious convictions relate to one another. According to philosophy professor Mark McPherran, Socrates used secular reason to validate his interpretations of all heavenly signs. According to A. A. Long, a professor of ancient philosophy, it is out of date to assume that Socrates thought the religious and rational domains were distinct. Socrates religious views continued. In Plato's Apology, Socrates supports his believe in gods by telling the jurors that he acknowledges them more than his accusers. The existence of gods is assumed by Plato's Socrates, who never questions their existence in any of his conversations. Given his exploration of the vast unknown after death in Apology, one could argue that Socrates was an agnostic. In Phaedo, his final dialogue with his students, Socrates expresses his unmistakable confidence in the immortality of the soul. He also thought that divinations, oracles, and other messages from the gods were real. These indications foretold negative future events rather than giving him any positive beliefs about moral matters. Socrates makes a similar argument to the modern teleological intelligent-design argument in Xenophon's Memorabilia. He asserts that a supernatural creator must have built the universe since many of its aspects show evidence of forethought. Since people naturally possess many talents that other animals do not, he concludes that the creator must be omniscient and omnipotent and that the cosmos was designed for the advancement of humanity. Socrates sometimes refers to a single god, while other times he alludes to multiple gods. This has been taken to indicate that he either thought that several gods were components, or manifestations, of this one deity, or that a supreme deity commanded other gods. It has been disputed how Socrates's strong dedication to reason and his religious convictions relate to one another. According to philosophy professor Mark McPherran, Socrates used secular reason to validate his interpretations of all heavenly signs. According to A. A. Long, a professor of ancient philosophy, it is out of date to assume that Socrates thought the religious and rational domains were distinct..

[Audio] Virtue and knowledge of socrates According to Socrates' idea of virtue, since virtues are a type of knowledge, they are all fundamentally the same. According to Socrates, a person's lack of knowledge is the reason they are bad. Virtues are together because knowledge is united. This theory also leads to the well-known adage that no one makes mistakes voluntarily. Socrates uses the example of courage in Protagoras to support his claim that all virtues are one: if one is aware of the danger, one can take a chance. Virtue and knowledge of Socrates. According to Socrates' idea of virtue, since virtues are a type of knowledge, they are all fundamentally the same. According to Socrates, a person's lack of knowledge is the reason they are bad. Virtues are together because knowledge is united. This theory also leads to the well-known adage that no one makes mistakes voluntarily. Socrates uses the example of courage in Protagoras to support his claim that all virtues are one: if one is aware of the danger, one can take a chance..

[Audio] The death of socrates After being tried for impiety and corrupting the youth, Socrates passed away in Athens in 399 BC. On his final day in prison, he was surrounded by supporters and friends who offered him a way out, but he turned them down. As per his sentencing, he drank poison hemlock and died the following morning. The death of Socrates. After being tried for impiety and corrupting the youth, Socrates passed away in Athens in 399 BC. On his final day in prison, he was surrounded by supporters and friends who offered him a way out, but he turned them down. As per his sentencing, he drank poison hemlock and died the following morning..