KL

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.