Plato and Socrates: Dialogues, Methods, and Key Concepts

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, names, and concepts from the notes on Plato, Socrates, The Apology, Euthyphro, and the Socratic method.

Socrates

Central figure in Plato's dialogues; philosopher who uses questioning (the Socratic method) to examine beliefs; taught without payment and faced trial for corrupting the youth, ultimately dying by drinking hemlock.

The Apology

Plato's dialogue portraying Socrates' trial; he defends his life and philosophy, discusses the possibility of escaping, and questions whether his death would make him a martyr.

Euthyphro

Dialogue about piety; presents Euthyphro at court prosecuting his own father and raises questions about the nature of holiness.

Euthyphro dilemma

Question of whether something is holy because the gods love it, or the gods love it because it is holy.

Holiness

Central concept in Euthyphro; roughly the moral sacredness or piety that the dialogue investigates.

Socratic method

A teaching method based on structured questioning and answering to examine beliefs and uncover knowledge.

The unexamined life

Socrates' claim from the Apology that a life without questioning or reflection is not worth living.

Socrates' mission

To gain knowledge, examine one’s own beliefs, and induce others to examine theirs.

Knowledge (Socrates)

Belief tested by dialogue; knowledge arises through examination, openness to being wrong, and the idea that 'a wise man knows how little he knows'.

Oracle's prediction

Delphic oracle reportedly declared Socrates the wisest man because he recognizes his own ignorance and seeks true knowledge.

Hemlock

Poison used to execute Socrates after his trial.

Corrupting the young

One of the charges brought against Socrates, contributing to his trial and death.