Plato Study Guide

Flashcards covering key concepts from a study guide on Plato and Socratic philosophy.

Who is Socrates?

A classical Greek philosopher credited as one of the founders of Western philosophy.

Who wrote about Socrates?

Plato, among others, wrote extensively about Socrates and his teachings.

Who are the Sophists?

A group of itinerant teachers in ancient Greece who claimed to teach success in public life.

What did the Sophists believe?

They believed in relativism and that truth is subjective, emphasizing rhetoric and debate.

What is Socratic irony?

A technique where Socrates pretends to be ignorant to expose the ignorance of others.

What do the early dialogues of Plato focus on?

They focus on ethical questions and the examination of moral concepts.

What was the Peloponnesian War?

A protracted conflict between Athens and Sparta; Sparta won.

What was the Periclean democracy?

The period of Athenian democracy under the leadership of Pericles, characterized by political and cultural achievements.

What was the Thirty?

A short-lived oligarchic government that ruled Athens after the Peloponnesian War.

What is the court of the King Archon?

A court in ancient Athens that handled serious criminal cases.

Who is Euthyphro?

He is a character in Plato's dialogues, identified as a priest.

What’s Euthyphro's profession?

He is a prophet or seer.

What are the two charges against Socrates?

Corruption of the youth and impiety.

Why is Euthyphro at the law court?

To prosecute his father for murder.

Who is Meletus?

One of the accusers who brought Socrates to trial.

What are the five definitions of piety presented by Euthyphro?

1) What is loved by the gods; 2) What is pious; 3) What all the gods love; 4) What is just; 5) What brings about justice.

Why don’t Euthyphro’s definitions of piety work according to Socrates?

They lack clarity and lead to contradictions.

What happens at the end of the Euthyphro dialogue?

Euthyphro leaves without providing a satisfactory definition of piety.

At the beginning of the Apology, who does Socrates say he fears the most?

He fears the unexamined life and the opinions of the majority.

Why does Socrates say he’s not a sophist?

He claims to seek truth and wisdom, unlike sophists who seek money.

Which god does the Oracle of Delphi represent?

Apollo.

What does the Oracle tell Chaerephon?

That no one is wiser than Socrates.

How does Socrates refute Meletus’ charges regarding corruption?

He argues that no one intentionally harms others.

How does Socrates refute Meletus’ charges regarding impiety?

He claims that he believes in the divine, thus contradicting the charge.

Why does Socrates compare himself to a gadfly?

He believes he awakens the city of Athens to its moral obligations.

What is the verdict of the trial?

Socrates is found guilty.

What are Socrates’ suggestions for his punishment?

1) Free meals for life; 2) A fine; 3) Imprisonment.

What is the ultimate sentence of the court?

Death by poisoning.

What is the method of execution?

Drinking hemlock.

Why does Socrates say we shouldn’t fear death?

1) Death is a natural process; 2) It may lead to a better existence.

Who is the dog of Egypt?

An ancient term referring to the god Anubis.