Socrates vs. the Sophists

What is the moral philosophy of the Sophists (one word)?

relativist

What is the most significant problem with a relativist point of view?

almost anything can be true

What was the focus of the Sophists’ study?

daily human life

Why did Socrates call Sophists “prostitutes of wisdom?”

they taught rhetoric and demagoguery for money

What were the charges brought against Socrates during his trial?

corrupting the youth and creating false gods

What does Socrates hear from the Oracle at Delphi?

he is the wisest man

According to Socrates, what is the goal of life?

making the soul as good as possible

What is Socrates’ definition of wisdom?

the awareness of one’s own ignorance

What is the Socratic Method?

asking questions and questioning answers

Why did Socrates say that virtue is knowledge?

people always aim for what they think is good

Why does Socrates call himself a gadfly?

he knows that he is annoying, and he rouses people into action

What does Socrates mean when he refers to himself as a midwife?

he helps people give birth to the knowledge inside of them

What did Socrates call “the greatest evil?”

injustice

Why does Socrates not fear death?

nobody could possibly know what death is

What are the absolutes that Socrates believes in?

Truth, Beauty, and Goodness