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Socrates

Socrates was a Greek, enigmatic philosopher who was famous for his contribution in ethics. He was Plato and Xenophon’s mentor and was acknowledged as one of the founders of Western philosophy.

1,381 Questions

Is hemlock a poison?

Yes it is. A pretty lethal one. Do not eat it.

Who state that the unexamined life is not worth living?

Socrates, a classical Greek philosopher, famously made this statement during his trial in 399 BC. He argued that a life without self-reflection and contemplation of one's actions and beliefs is not a life that is truly fulfilling or meaningful.

Is water hemlock poisonous?

Yes, it is one of the most toxic plants in the United States.

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.

What is Socrates' fundamental question of ethics?

Socrates' fundamental question of ethics is "What is the right thing to do?" or "What is the nature of true virtue?" He believed in questioning moral values and examining one's actions to determine what is morally right or wrong.

Was Socrates a Christian?

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.

Would Socrates agree with Bertrand Russell's belirf that philosophers are unable to tell us with certainty what is a true answer to doubts which raise the questions of reality?

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.

What was Socrates mission?

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.

When did Socrates marry Xanthippe?

Socrates married Xanthippe around 416 BC. They had three sons together.

What are the natures of philosophy?

Philosophy is the study of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. It aims to explore and understand the nature of reality, existence, and human experience through critical reasoning and analysis. Philosophy encompasses various branches such as metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, logic, and aesthetics.

What was the socratic period?

The Socratic period refers to the time in ancient Greece when the philosopher Socrates lived (circa 470-399 BCE). Socrates is known for his method of questioning and dialogues, which aimed to stimulate critical thinking and self-reflection among his students and fellow citizens. His teachings laid the foundation for Western philosophy and ethics.

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.

Why does Socrates appear at court?

Socrates appeared at court because he was accused of impiety and corrupting the youth of Athens. He was charged with not believing in the city's gods and introducing new divinities, as well as influencing the young to question authority.

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.

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.

What did Socrates encourage his fellow citizens to do?

Socrates encouraged his fellow citizens to question their beliefs, seek wisdom, and strive for self-knowledge through critical thinking and self-examination. He believed that achieving true understanding and virtue was essential for the well-being of individuals and the society as a whole.

Why did the athenian jury send Socrates to his death?

The Athenian jury sentenced Socrates to death because they found him guilty of impiety and corrupting the youth of Athens. Socrates' teachings challenged traditional beliefs and authority, causing unrest among the population. His refusal to compromise his principles during his trial ultimately led to his conviction and execution by drinking hemlock.

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.

What is Socrates eye color?

Socrates had brown eyes, some may say blue, but he has brown eyes.

What was Socrates to Plato?

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

What government type did Socrates like?

Socrates believed in a government led by philosopher-kings who were wise and virtuous rulers. He believed that these rulers would make decisions based on reason and the common good, rather than self-interest or personal gain.

Who was poisoned by hemlock?

The Greek philosopher Socrates is famously known to have been sentenced to death by drinking a cup of hemlock poison in 399 BC. He was accused of corrupting the young minds of Athens and impiety towards the city's gods.