Socrates Essays (1788 words) - Socratic Dialogues,

Socrates Socrates: A Great Philosopher Kimberly Whitaker Honors Survey of World History: HONR 1151 Dr. Veula J. Rhodes, Instructor Albany State University November 22, 1999 Foreword Thesis: Exploring Socrates and his philosophies give the seeker a new understanding of the life and society in which Socrates lived. With this new understanding, one can compare or contrast other views of the period. In doing this, the researcher is provided with a map of ideas and philosophies throughout history. This map can be used to enhance our present understanding of past cultures. I. Introduction II. The early life of Socrates III. Problem of Socrates IV. Philosophical ideas and techniques A. Universal definitions B. Inductive arguments C. Socratic method V. The trial and death of Socrates VI. Conclusion Socrates insight added to the wealth of Ancient Greece. He studied human nature like no other philosopher. For these reasons, he and his philosophies should be remembered. Socrates is considered amongst the greatest philosophers in history. His life was short, yet meaningful, and productive. His teachings have survived through the dialogues, memoirs, and plays of other Greek writers (e.g. Plato, Aristotle, Xenophon, and Aristophanes). These writings are studied to paint a clearer picture of Socrates. His most famous method of observation, the Socratic dialogue or dialect, was unique. He explored human nature through tedious examination and studied people in a way never done before. Socrates was born around 470 B.C.E. in the Greek city-state of Athens. His parents were Sophroniscus and Phaenarete. His wife was named Xanthippe; together they had three sons. According to one source, Xanthippe was considered ?ill-tempered? and difficult to live with. Even though he didn't come from a poor family, it is known that he was very poor. This was due to that fact that Socrates did not accept money from his observers like other philosophers of his day (esp., the Sophists). His dress was simple and his eating and drinking reflected his moderate attitude. Since Socrates kept no written records of his teachings, information from other Greek scholars are used to regenerate his philosophies and teachings. This problem is commonly referred to as the ?Socratic problem.? There are four scholars who captured Socrates' life and teachings in their works: 1) the writings (Memorabilia and Symposium) of the Greek historian and pupil of Socrates, Xenophon, 2) dialogues by the philosopher, Plato (also pupil a of Socrates), 3) Clouds, a comedy by Aristophanes, and 4) the writings of Plato's pupil, Aristotle. Although there is much debate over who provided the most accurate representation of Socrates, the testimonies of each scholar are widely accepted. However, it must be noted that Plato was a philosopher who often injected his own theories and thoughts into the dialogues he recorded. Also, some of the writers present opposing views of Socrates. For instance, for comical effect, Aristophanes paints Socrates as ?a bumbling, foolish man who supports fantastic theories? in Clouds. This view contrasted the Aristotelian and Platonic Socrates that displayed Socrates as an ?intellectualist or rationalist.? Since there are four different Socrates, which Socrates is believable? One author answers that question saying, ?There is no way to achieve an indisputable answer. But where we find common features in the various portraits, there is a substantial probability that we may have reached the historical Socrates.? Socrates taught to any who listened. He taught by questioning his listeners. Then, he used the implications of their answers to contradict their logic in an effort to alter their views. This is the Socratic method and will be discussed in detail later. One of Socrates' most famous ideas was the universal definition. He believed that even though animals and things are constructed differently, the characteristics that make the similar and how they vary remain constant. For example, there are several species of dogs. Nevertheless, there are constants that distinguish a dog from a cat or animal. This idea of universal definitions could be applied to the concepts of justice, piety, virtue, wisdom, etc. Socrates also believed that if each concept is captured in one universal definition then ?the definition affords a sure rock ethical on which men could stand amidst the sea of the Sophists relativistic doctrines.? For instance, the definition of justice varied from place to place. By applyi ng the idea of universal definition, the actions of the individual and