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Plato
This category is for questions pertaining to the philosopher Plato. This elder of philosophy is a giant in the field.
1,301 Questions
Why does Plato feel that Socrates was a Sophist?
Plato believes that Socrates was mistaken for a Sophist because of his thought-provoking questioning style and his focus on challenging conventional beliefs. However, Socrates differed from the Sophists in that he did not accept payment for his teachings and sought after truth rather than personal gain. Plato aimed to distinguish Socrates from the Sophists by portraying him as a philosopher who pursued wisdom and virtue, rather than being motivated by debate or rhetoric.
Plato's Retreat was a popular and controversial swingers club that operated in New York City from 1977 to 1985. It was known for its sexually adventurous clientele and liberal attitude towards nudity and sexual exploration. The club was eventually closed due to legal pressure and changing social attitudes towards sexuality.
Was Socrates a good philosopher?
Socrates and Three Generations of State :
A philosopher is assessed not by the beauty of his words, but by looking into whether his objectives were achieved or not. His arguments on how a more republican and disciplined State could be constructed were considered comments from shade and shine against the Athenian State which was indisciplined, no republican and steeped in corruption and favouritism. Such was the distance between the State and him that he was executed for this reason.
When it was the time of Plato, his student, follower and friend, Plato instituted the Academy and moved classes from the Socrates' wonted market place to a fixed walled space which had the novelty of teachers coming to a fixed place where students only needed to go and where classes progressed according to a predetermined syllabus, all these replacing the ancient system of students residing with the teacher in his house, and later coming to be known as the academic system of education. Knowledge became such fashionable that the aristocratic Athenian noble young men could not be married away if they had not studied in the Academy. Socrates, through Plato was nearing the State.
Though the Greek school of thought from Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Alexander to Anaximander was each one of them brilliant, Aristotle was the most lucky to get equipped with what Socrates predicted as the prerequisite essential for building a model republic - a soldier student. In his times the Academician thoughts had become such pervasive and persuasive that the King Philip of the just-across-the-strait semi barbarian state of Macedonia invited Aristotle to be the teacher of his intelligent son Alexander. The rest is history. Thus Socrates became the State just in three generations which was fast. Thus in achieving his objectives Socrates was a good philosopher.
How did Plato feel about democracy?
Plato was critical of democracy, believing it tended to lead to chaos and instability. He preferred a system of government led by philosopher-kings who were guided by reason and wisdom, rather than the fluctuating opinions of the masses. Plato feared that democracy could easily be influenced by demagogues and lead to the tyranny of the majority.
What was Platos opinion about tyranny?
Plato believed that tyranny was the worst form of government, as it is ruled by a tyrant who only seeks power for themselves and does not act in the best interest of the people. He saw tyranny as an unjust and unstable form of government that leads to corruption and oppression. Plato argued that a just ruler, guided by reason and virtue, is essential for a society to thrive.
What did Socrates think of self-interest and virtue?
Socrates and "care of the self"
Young Socrates also knew the Sophists and listened to their debates and ceremonial orations. Socrates and the Sophists neither science nor Sophistry, however, could answer a new philosophic question that struck him.
The earlier Greek thinkers had been concerned almost wholly with physics and cosmology until the Sophists suggested that what should be done instead was to teach young men skills to satisfy their natural self-interest.
Instead, Socrates wondered: "What is a 'self'?" Although "Know Thyself!" was one of three sayings carved on the Temple of Apollo at Delphi, the directive proved difficult to carry out. The so-called scientific views of the time particularly that of atomism, defined the self as a physical organ that responded to environmental pressure. Socrates felt, however, that the Sophists, for all their talk of self-interest, had little curiosity about the status of a self; they assumed that it was merely an isolated centre constantly greedy for more pleasure, prestige, and power.
The Sophists further thought that the values that people advocated were all conventional, varying from one culture to another, and that no one would ever act against his or her own interest, regardless of how many people talked as though they would. This complex of ideas offered little to explain human nature and excellence. Socrates' Later Life and Thought Socrates, setting about his search for the self, was convinced of the importance of his quest. Until educators and teachers knew what human excellence was, he thought, they were engaging in false pretences by claiming that they knew how to improve students or societies. Socrates believed that objective patterns, or "forms," exist that define human excellence, that these are neither culturally relative nor subjective, and that philosophic inquiry could discover them. In the period after Athenian defeat in the Peloponnesian War, however, the political leaders did not want to be awakened; uncritical patriotism seemed to them what they and Athens needed. In an attempt to frighten Socrates away, they threatened to bring him to trial for "impiety and corrupting the youth of Athens." Socrates stayed and stood trial. In his Apology, Plato reconstructs his speech to the jury in defence of his beliefs. He was convicted and executed in 399 BC.
No, Socrates was not a Christian. He lived in ancient Greece (circa 470-399 BC), before the birth of Christianity. Socrates was a philosopher known for his contributions to the development of Western philosophy.
How does Plato understand sexuality?
Plato believed in the concept of love beyond physical desire, known as platonic love. He argued that true love is a spiritual connection that transcends the physical body, aiming for a higher form of beauty and understanding. In his dialogues, Plato often portrayed erotic desire as a stepping stone towards achieving a more profound and transcendent love.
Socrates might agree with Bertrand Russell that philosophers may not be able to provide certain answers to questions of reality. Socrates believed in the importance of questioning and critical thinking, leading to deeper understanding rather than having absolute certainty. He valued the process of seeking wisdom over claiming to have all the answers.
Socrates' mission was to seek knowledge and truth through questioning and critical thinking. He believed in the pursuit of self-knowledge and the importance of ethical behavior. Socrates aimed to challenge conventional wisdom and engage in philosophical discussions to better understand the world and one's place in it.
In what type of building did Plato and Aristotle teach?
Plato and Aristotle taught in a philosophical school called the Academy, which was established by Plato in Athens. The Academy was a garden complex that served as a center for learning and philosophical debate where students could gather to study and discuss various topics.
What are the branches of speculative philosophy?
"Philosophy" literally means "love of wisdom", and the topics that fell under this name covered what we now pick out as philosophy, logic, science, medicine, ethics, social science, psychology, and religion.
Philosophy might be thought of as made up of two components: critical thinking and passionate vision. But "critical thinking" does not necessarily imply the hermeneutics of suspicion, skepticism, or intellectual paranoia--all too often the trademarks of the bright young professional philosopher. One can be "critical," that is, reflective, while at the same time be committed, even devoted, to an idea or a way of thinking.
According to Plato the most inferior type of the state?
According to Plato, the most inferior type of state is a democracy, which he believed could easily degenerate into tyranny because it lacks stability and is susceptible to the whims of the masses.
yes
And holding doubt in oneself in order to keep asking questions and not be satisfied with answers, especially shallow answers. From a teacher's perspective, it also involves getting the students to form the habit of asking the questions, obtaining answers and criticizing or investigating the answers.
It is almost impossible to separate what Socrates taught from his whole personality?
Socrates' teachings emphasized self-examination, the pursuit of wisdom, and questioning assumptions. His philosophical method, known as the Socratic method, involved engaging others in dialogue to uncover truth and encourage critical thinking. Although his personal charisma and character undoubtedly influenced the way his ideas were communicated, the core principles of his philosophy are distinguishable from his personality.
Aristotle believed reality was permeated with what?
Aristotle believed that reality was permeated with potentiality and actuality. Potentiality represents what something can become, while actuality represents what something currently is. Aristotle believed that the goal of life is to actualize one's potentiality and fulfill one's purpose.
Did Plato teach the rule of the Golden Mean?
No, the concept of the Golden Mean is typically associated with Aristotle, not Plato. Aristotle believed in finding the middle ground between extremes to achieve moral virtue. Plato, on the other hand, focused more on the theory of Forms and the ideal realm of existence.
Did Plato teach the Spiritual self was more important than the physical?
Yes, Plato believed that the spiritual self or soul was more important than the physical body. He argued that the soul was eternal and possessed a higher reality than the temporary and imperfect physical world. Plato's philosophy emphasized the importance of cultivating the soul through reason and virtue to achieve harmony and fulfillment.
Why didn't Socrates write anything down?
In the time of Socrates (Classical Greece), the oral tradition was pretty strong. Some people question the extent to which Plato's textual references are truly the words of Socrates himself but in ancient times, Philosophers were more concerned with teaching their disciples than writing.
Some other Philosophers such as Confucius did not write anything down either, his disciples did.
The same can be said for Buddha etc, their disciples carried on their word-of-mouth. So inasmuch as Socrates may not have written anything down, his words portrayed by Plato and others might still be really his.
What the hours for Plato' s closet?
Plato's Closet store hours may vary depending on location, but typically they are open Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 9 pm, and Sunday from 12 pm to 6 pm. It is best to check the specific store's hours online or by calling them directly.
How did the death of Socrates effect Plato?
The death of Socrates had a profound impact on Plato, who was his student and friend. It inspired Plato to delve deeper into philosophical and ethical inquiries, leading him to establish his own philosophical school, the Academy. Plato's works often reflect and honor Socrates's teachings and legacy.
How did Socrates contribute to democracy?
Socrates contributed to democracy by engaging in open dialogue and questioning the status quo. His teachings emphasized critical thinking, self-awareness, and the importance of individual responsibility in a democratic society. Despite conflicting with the political establishment of his time, Socrates' legacy of questioning authority and encouraging active citizen participation has had a lasting impact on democratic principles.
Why did Plato not believe in democracy?
Plato believed that democracy allowed for rule by the ignorant masses, leading to instability and mob rule. He also saw democracy as a system that prioritized individual desires over the common good, lacking the wisdom and virtue necessary for effective governance. Plato preferred a meritocratic system ruled by philosopher-kings who possessed the necessary knowledge and virtue to govern wisely.
Socrates was Plato's Teacher. Plato was Socrates' most prized student. After Socrates' death, Plato began to write accounts of Socrates' dialogues.
(sorry for the basic answer, i don't know how much detail you wanted).
~element
Why does Plato dislike poets and how can his opinion be applied today?
He thought poets played on the "Pathos" too much. In other words, he thought poets were swaying people with too much emotion and not enough logic or reason (Logos). He felt that they were dangerous to the people and society. In a way hes right, look at music and media today, it controls peoples emotions. But peolple like it and mabye need it, a world without emotion is a cold one.
