SOCRATES

Socrates

Was the first major Western philosopher. He wrote no philosophy, and what we know of him chiefly from his pupils Plato and Xenophon.

Socrates

• Challenged the Sophist doctrines of relativism, moral realism, and might makes right.

• He sought a cure for the ills of the society not in politics, but in philosophy.

Socrates

struggled with one of the great problems of our time: Who am I? How can I discover my true identity? How shall I live?

Socratic Method or Dialectic

Consists of a series of guided questions that continually refines the ideas under scrutiny. Definitions are required for all key terms, and logical inconsistencies are brought to light and resolved.

“The unexamined life is not worth living. Know thyself!”

Socrates famous statement:

Socrates believed that knowing oneself through philosophical reflection is essential to living a truly human life. He taught that the real person is the psyche, not the body, and that “the unexamined life is not worth living.”

What did Socrates mean by the command “Know thyself,” and how did he view the real self?

He concluded that they believed they were wise but were not, while he was wiser because he recognized his own ignorance.

What did Socrates conclude after questioning those reputed to be wise?

Because he exposed their ignorance, which offended them and led them to resent him.

Why did Socrates' encounters with so-called wise individuals often result in hostility?

Impiety by introducing new gods and corrupting the youth of Athens.

What were the two main charges brought against Socrates during his trial?

Because he recognizes his own ignorance, unlike others who falsely believe they are wise.

Why does Socrates believe he has a reputation for wisdom?

They believed that because they were skilled in one area, they also possessed wisdom in all matters.

What mistake did Socrates observe in poets and artisans during his inquiries?

The improvement of the soul through wisdom and truth.

What does Socrates claim is more important than wealth, honor, or reputation?

VIRTUE

According to Socrates, what is the source of all other goods, including money?

He believes it is a divine command to help others prioritize the health of their soul.

Why does Socrates continue to question and challenge others, despite opposition?

Ethical Theory

• For Socrates, virtue is Wisdom

• It is precisely because knowledge (wisdom) always produces behavioral results, because behavior is always guided by beliefs. ―To know the good is to do the good.

For Socrates, virtue is wisdom.

What is the relationship between virtue and wisdom for Socrates?

VIRTUE

comes from the Greek arete, meaning “that at which something excels,” or “excellence of function.”

Whether they are guided by wisdom or prudence.

According to Socrates in the Meno, what determines whether traits of the soul like courage or memory are profitable or harmful?

That virtue is either wholly or partly wisdom.

What conclusion does Socrates lead Meno to about the nature of virtue?

Because only with wisdom do the qualities of the soul become profitable and lead to happiness.

Why does Socrates argue that virtue must be a form of wisdom or prudence?

PLATO

• is actually the nickname of Aristocles, the son of one of the oldest and most elite Athenian families

• Aristocles, meant ―best, most renowned.

PLATO

was a member of the Athenian aristocracy and Socrates‘ most famous and important pupil

The trial and death of Socrates.

What event convinced Plato that Athenian democracy was irrational mob rule?

THE ACADEMY

What institution did Plato establish in response to his disillusionment with Athenian democracy

Because they were only concerned with the world of ever-changing perceptions and customs.

Why, according to Plato, could the Sophists not discover truth?

The theory of Forms.

What philosophical concept did Plato propose to refute sophistry?

A reciprocal relationship.

What type of relationship does Plato describe between the individual and society in The Republic?

1. Nourishing needs,

2. protection needs, and

3. ordering needs.

What are the three basic categories of needs identified by Plato in The Republic?

Guardians or philosopher-kings

According to The Republic, which class of people fulfills the need for order in the ideal state?

The workers.

Who are responsible for meeting the nourishing needs of the ideal state in Plato’s Republic?

The warriors.

In Plato’s Republic, which class is tasked with the protection of the state?

The instrumental theory of morality

asserts that right and wrong must be determined by the consequences our acts produce,

functionalist theory of morality

holds that right and wrong can only be understood in terms of the way they affect our overall functioning as human beings.

When all classes of people are virtuous according to their natures.

According to Plato, what makes a state just?

A state in which people do not function according to their natures and the classes are not virtuous.

What characterizes a dysfunctional or unjust state in Plato's philosophy?

The just state functions fully; the unjust state is dysfunctional.

According to Plato in The Republic, what is the difference between a just and an unjust state?

reason, spirit, and appetite.

According to Plato, the human soul resembles the state in that it too is divided into three parts:

A just (healthy, good, or virtuous) soul is one in which all parts function harmoniously.

According to Plato, what characterizes a just or virtuous soul?

The Just Society

According to Plato, it is a society that is ruled by guardians in such a way that each class functions at its best

1. temperance

2. courage

3. wisdom

4. justice

Plato identified four cardinal (essential, basic) virtues:

virtue of TEMPERANCE

a virtue: important for the worker classes but necessary for all classes of people

virtue of COURAGE

is the essential virtue of the warrior class

virtue of WISDOM

is the virtue associated with the guardians and the rational part of the soul.

virtue of JUSTICE

the result of the other three cardinal virtues, is excellence of function for the whole.

Because it allows rule by impulse and emotion rather than reason, violating functional order and leading to tyranny.

Why did Plato reject democracy as an unjust form of government?

The World of Form

• the essence of a thing, the quality that makes it what it is.

• The Greek root for ―form‖ (eidos) is sometimes translated as ―ideal

• Plato insists that the Forms are independent of any minds (real).

The World of Sensible

Particular things differ in terms of what Plato variously refers to as their ―participation in―sharing in,―resembling or ―reflecting the Form.

1. The World of Form

2. The World of Sensible

Plato‘s Dualism:

• The World of Form is the unchanging, real essence of things,

• while the World of Sensible contains particular, changing things that only reflect or participate in the Forms.

What are the two realms in Plato's theory of dualism, and how do they differ?

Thrasymachus

is the kind of Sophist who is less interested in theories and philosophy than in political and social action.

Thrasymachus

the values that prevail in all areas of life—economic, political, racial, educational—reflect the interests of the strong

Thrasymachus defines justice as the advantage of the stronger party.

How does Thrasymachus define justice in Plato's Republic?

CEPHALUS

suggests that justice involves nothing more than telling the truth and repaying one's debts.

POLEMARCHUS

offers a refinement of the definition of Justice. He proposed Justice is giving back what is owed

POLEMARCHUS

Justice means doing good to a friend and harming your enemies.

THRASYMACHUS

Justice is the advantage of the stronger party.