The Sophists were hired by the wealthy to speak on any subject. Their teachings were based on no knowledge of the material and used well-formed words to persuade people to believe in them. Their view was that knowledge and understanding were not necessary if the augment made sense.
Socrates was different from the Sophists in that he believed knowledge and understanding was key to happiness. Socrates did not argue points he did not believe in, and did not offer arguments for sale. Socrates view of knowledge and understanding was; Knowledge = virtue = happiness
Socrates believed in a single, supreme deity or divine intelligence that governed the universe. He questioned traditional Greek beliefs in multiple gods and was accused of impiety for his teachings. Socrates emphasized a personal moral conscience over ritualistic worship and encouraged questioning and self-reflection in pursuit of wisdom.
The death of Socrates
The death of Socrates
Plato's views in The Republic were heavily influenced by his mentor, Socrates, and the political unrest in Athens during his time. He was also influenced by earlier Greek philosophers like Pythagoras and Heraclitus, as well as by his own experiences as a soldier and statesman. Additionally, Plato's theory of Forms, which suggests that the material world is imperfect and fleeting while there exists a higher realm of perfect and eternal Forms, played a significant role in shaping his philosophical views in The Republic.
War
Plato's views in The Republic were likely influenced by his teacher, Socrates, as well as by the political upheaval and corruption he witnessed in Athens. Additionally, his travels and exposure to different cultures may have shaped his ideas on justice, virtue, and the ideal society.
DISSENTER
Socrates' teachings and the political environment of Athens are likely the most influential factors on Plato's views in "The Republic." Plato was a student of Socrates and was deeply impacted by his mentor's philosophy. Additionally, the political turmoil and corruption in Athens would have shaped Plato's ideas on justice, ethics, and governance.
Plato used Socrates as his main character in his writings to convey his own philosophical views. Socrates was portrayed as a wise and questioning figure who engaged in dialogues with other characters to explore concepts and ideas. Through these dialogues, Plato expressed his beliefs on topics such as ethics, politics, and metaphysics.
Socrates believed that self-interest and virtue are interconnected, as acting virtuously leads to true happiness and well-being. He advocated for prioritizing the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom over material gain, arguing that true fulfillment comes from living a virtuous life guided by reason and self-reflection.
Plato's views in "The Republic" were likely influenced by his teacher, Socrates. Socrates' method of questioning and pursuit of truth is reflected in The Republic's philosophical dialogues. Additionally, Plato's own experiences living in a politically tumultuous Athens may have also shaped his ideas on justice, governance, and knowledge.
Socrates believed in the pursuit of truth and virtue through questioning and self-examination. Plato emphasized the existence of an immutable realm of perfect Forms, with the goal of achieving justice and harmony in society. Aristotle focused on empirical observation and logic, emphasizing the importance of finding the mean between extremes in ethical decision-making. Aquinas sought to reconcile faith and reason, arguing that both could lead to knowledge of God and moral truths.