Ancient Greek Philosophy, Socrates, and the Peloponnesian War

Who is Socrates? Who wrote about him?

Socrates was a Greek philosopher from Athens who questioned people about truth justice and virtue. He wrote nothing himself. We know about him from Plato.

Who are the Sophists? What did they believe?

The Sophists were teachers who charged money to teach wisdom and rhetoric. They believed truth is relative and persuasion is more important than truth.

What is Socratic irony?

Socratic irony is when Socrates pretends he knows nothing so others explain their ideas and then he shows their ideas are wrong.

What do the early dialogues of Plato focus on?

They focus on Socrates asking questions about virtue justice piety and knowledge without giving final answers.

What was the Peloponnesian War? Who won?

A war between Athens and Sparta. Sparta won and Athens lost power.

What was the Periclean democracy? What was the Thirty?

Periclean democracy was the democratic period of Athens under Pericles. The Thirty were the Thirty Tyrants who ruled Athens after the war in an oligarchy.

What is the court of the King Archon?

A religious court in Athens where cases about religion and murder were judged.

Who is Euthyphro? What's his profession?

Euthyphro is a religious expert prophet who claims to know about the gods.

What are the two charges against Socrates?

Corrupting the youth and not believing in the gods of Athens impiety.

Why is Euthyphro at the law court?

He is prosecuting his own father for murder.

Who is Meletus?

Meletus is the man who officially accuses Socrates in court.

First definition of piety

Piety is prosecuting wrongdoers. Socrates says this fails because it is only an example not a definition.

Second definition of piety

Piety is what the gods love. This fails because the gods disagree so something could be both pious and not pious.

Third definition of piety

Piety is what all the gods love. This fails because Socrates asks whether the gods love it because it is pious or if it is pious because they love it.

Fourth definition of piety

Piety is the part of justice concerned with serving the gods. This fails because Euthyphro cannot explain what serving the gods means.

Fifth definition of piety

Piety is knowing how to pray and sacrifice. This fails because it makes religion sound like a trade with the gods.

What happens at the end of the Euthyphro dialogue?

Euthyphro leaves because he cannot answer Socrates questions.

At the beginning of the Apology which person does Socrates fear the most?

He fears the old accusers and rumors more than Meletus.

Why does Socrates say he is not a sophist?

He does not charge money and does not claim to teach wisdom.

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 the charge of corruption?

If he corrupts people it must be unintentional so he should be taught not punished.

How does Socrates refute the charge of impiety?

He believes in divine signs so he must believe in gods.

Why does Socrates compare himself to a gadfly and Athens to a horse?

He says he annoys the city like a gadfly annoys a horse to keep Athens awake and thinking.

What is the verdict of the trial?

Socrates is found guilty.

What punishments does Socrates suggest?

Free meals for life a small fine and a larger fine paid by friends.

What is the final sentence of the court?

Death.

What is the method of execution?

Drinking hemlock poison.

Why does Socrates say we should not fear death?

Death is either a dreamless sleep or a journey to another world to meet great people.

Who is the dog of Egypt?

An oath referring to Anubis an Egyptian god.