Philosophy

Philosophy Study Guide

Socrates’ conviction that the improvement of the soul is the central project of philosophy and the preeminent life project for each one of us was the foundation of his core teachings, which are below: ● The unexamined life is not worth living: Socrates was convinced that we have a moral obligation to achieve our full human potential--“actively exercising our soul’s power”, which is the Greek definition of happiness. If we live our lives unreflectively, then our lives have diminished value. ● The truth lies within each of us: By living an examined life, we can discover the principles of right thinking and actions within use. In our effort to improve our souls, we need only to apply the divine gift of reason to look deep within ourselves and discover immutable universal truths. ● We should strive for excellence in all areas of life: Socrates believed happiness was a consequence of actively exercising all of our soul’s power and he was fully committed to achievement in other areas as well. A good and honorable life entailed making full use of all of one’s gifts: intellectually, creatively, and courageously. ● No one knowingly does evil: For Socrates, goodness and wisdom were partners connected at their roots. He believed that virtue and excellence (arête) of the soul are the consequences of knowledge (episteme) and wisdom (sophia). It is by determined and clearheaded thinking that we develop an understanding of the rigorous standards of conduct that humans should follow individually and socially. By training our minds to explore the central questions of life regarding justice, morality, and goodness, we cannot help but become good people. People who are ignorant are misguided in how to achieve happiness and has led to corruption of their soul. ● It is better to suffer wickedness than to commit it: Becoming a moral person is the only way to become a truly happy, psychologically healthy person. The motto her is “Virtue is its own reward”, meaning that doing wrong will harm and corrupt that part of ourselves that is improved by just actions and destroyed by unjust actions. If out of ignorance you do not choose to create yourself as a moral person, your soul gradually becomes corrupted. 2.4 The Trial and Death of Socrates The final days of Socrates’ life was captured in Plato’s dialogue, The Apology , a term that refers to a philosophical defense action or viewpoint. At the age of seventy, Socrates found himself at the court of Athens on trial for his life due to allegations that he corrupted the youth and that he did not believe in the gods, in whom the state believed. Socrates was unpopular with many influential citizens and political leaders because he encouraged people not to blindly accept authority or the pronouncements of self-appointed wise men. He insisted people think for themselves and that all ideas be held up to the scrutiny of critical analysis. Socrates developed enemies because of his lack of political involvement which engendered real world political consequences. Socrates was the target of a vindictive father whose son had come to study with Socrates. During his trial, Socrates could not resist educating the jury, advising them that he would speak the truth. Socrates was the victim of people spreading false and damaging rumors about him. He warned the jury to judge him fairly, as they were going to have to think critically and set aside their prejudices. Socrates was a man whose principals

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