2/3 Reading- "Plato's Crito"

Introduction to Early Christian Thought and Greek Civic Piety

• Focus on the philosophical foundations laid before Christianity.

• Key figures include Plato and Aristotle, whose thoughts influenced Western philosophy.

• Discussion of how ancient Greek ideas of virtue, truth, and goodness compare with early Christian beliefs.

Key Philosophers

Socrates

• Influential teacher of Plato, known for the Socratic method.

• Emphasized the importance of seeking truth through questioning and dialogue.

Plato

• Student of Socrates, wrote dialogues exploring philosophical themes.

• Introduced concept of ideal Forms, which represent the ultimate realities of goodness and justice.

• How Plato's writings respond to the challenges facing Greek society.

Aristotle

• Student of Plato, known for contributions across various fields including ethics, politics, and metaphysics.

• Emphasized empirical observation and the nature of reality.

• His works laid the groundwork for various branches of Western thought.

Cultural Context

Changes in Greek Society

• Shift from mythological to rational thought.

• The emergence of a democratic society that grapples with moral and ethical questions.

• Importance of literature, especially Homer's works, in shaping Greek values.

• The concept of a 'good person' was linked to social roles and behaviors rather than inherent qualities.

Greek Civic Piety

• Understanding piety in the context of the polis, or city-state of Athens.

• Discussion of how myths were integrated into civic life.

• The role of civic duties as an expression of piety in ancient Athens.

The Sophists vs. Plato

Sophists

• Group of philosophers who claimed that truth is relative.

• Focused on teaching rhetoric and persuasion as a means of success.

• Emphasized cultural norms and customs over universal truths (nomos vs. physis).

Plato's Response

• Critiqued the Sophistic approach, advocating for the pursuit of objective truths.

• Defined the role of philosophy as seeking knowledge of the good and just.

Plato's Concept of the Forms

• Theory of Forms: ideal versions of all things exist beyond the physical realm.

• Understanding of goodness as participating in these eternal truths.

• Philosophy as a means to recollect knowledge of these Forms from our previous existence outside the body.

Socrates and the Pursuit of Truth

• Socrates' stance that moral values are consistent and universal, challenging the Sophists’ relativism.

• Importance of self-examination and rational argumentation in determining ethical actions.

The Interplay of Piety and Reason

• Exploration of Euthyphro's dilemma: Is something pious because the gods love it, or do the gods love it because it is pious?

• The implication of definitions of piety for civic duty and personal morality.

Crito's Dilemma

• Discussion of Socrates' conversation with Crito about escaping prison.

• The relationship between the individual and the state, emphasizing the social contract.

• Socrates argues for the importance of adhering to just agreements and honoring the laws of the city.

• Acceptance of one's fate as a fundamental aspect of virtue and piety.

Conclusion

• The philosophical discussions of Plato and Socrates laid the groundwork for the evolution of ethical thought, influencing early Christian teachings.

• The integration of civic piety with philosophical inquiry shaped the moral landscape of the time.