Socrates

Socrates' phrase "Know Thyself" emphasizes the importance of self-knowledge as the foundation for acquiring other knowledge. He believed that individuals often lack understanding of concepts due to...

Socrates answers the question “Who am I?” by affirming his ignorance. Socrates is regarded by the Delphic Oracle as the wisest man around. However, Socrates claims that that's only because he frankly...

The difference between Socrates and the Sophists is that Socrates believed that universal standards existed to guide individuals in matters such as justice and beauty, while the Sophists believed...

While Socrates may not have defined man as a "featherless biped" (Socrates was skeptical of most definitions), Socrates own manner of inquiry did inspire the Western tradition of conceiving of man as...

Socrates' idea that "the unexamined life is not worth living" suggests that a life without self-reflection and critical thinking lacks true meaning and purpose. He believed that examining one's own...

Socrates' quote "From the deepest desires often come the deadliest hate" means that unfulfilled deep desires can transform into destructive emotions and actions. When strong desires are not met, they...

Socrates argues that morality based on emotional values is flawed and lacks truth. He suggests that emotions lead to vulgarity, which opposes true morality. Therefore, decisions made on emotional...

Socrates' acceptance of the death penalty in "The Apology" reflects his commitment to his philosophical beliefs. He believed that denying his principles would be a fate worse than death. Although he...

In Plato's Apology, Socrates is portrayed as a courageous philosopher dedicated to truth, unjustly persecuted for allegedly corrupting youth and denying the gods. He is depicted as noble, unafraid of...

Socrates primarily employs logos, or logical reasoning, in his arguments, often avoiding pathos, emotional appeals, and ironically downplaying his own ethos, or authority. He claims to seek truth...

Socrates believed that self-control was essential for true freedom, emphasizing the need for reason to govern appetites, desires, and emotions. He viewed these affects as potentially misleading and...

Socrates's larger argument, that death is preferable to abandoning one's principles, is a matter of personal conviction, not some universal truth.

Socrates cares for his soul because he realizes that the universe may not be chaos, but that by getting in touch with that part of ourselves which is universal, we acknowledge our place in it.

The Socratic method is loosely based on the pedagogical approach used by Socrates. This method uses questioning, rather than direct didactic instruction, to foster critical thinking skills in...

Socrates was given the poison hemlock as a form of capital punishment by the Athenian authorities in 399 BCE. He was charged with denying the gods and corrupting the youth, though his true "crime"...

Socrates' views on the afterlife and death are primarily known through writings by Plato and Xenophon. In Xenophon's works, Socrates does not fear death and views it as preferable to old age,...

Socrates was correct. His jurors valued comfort and security more than the pursuit of truth.

Socrates takes a skeptical, challenging attitude towards metaphysics, asking questions rather than answering them, and frankly admitting that he has no certain knowledge of matters beyond physical...

Socrates defended himself against the accusation of impiety by highlighting two main points. First, he stated that he did perform sacrifices to the gods, which addressed the accusation based on...

Socrates's willingness to question everything, his humility, and his teachings regarding worldly success are why he is often considered one of the wisest men in history.

Socrates argues against following the opinion of the many in favor of valuing the informed opinions of "good men" or experts. He believes that the masses are often swayed by peer pressure and...

Socrates's argument that the superior should not take by force what belongs to the inferior occurs in Plato's Gorgias and hinges on the definitions of the terms "superior" and "inferior." Callicles...

The word "apology" in the context of Socrates's Apology means "defense" and does not imply any admission of guilt. Socrates makes this clear as he dismisses the charges against him as false from the...

Socrates was a Greek philosopher considered a foundational figure in Western philosophy. He lived in Athens, where he spent most of his life until his execution in 399 BCE. Known for his method of...

Dr. Peterson seems to like Socrates.

Socrates views beauty as a product of philosophical thinking, perceivable through dialectics, as seen in his dialogue with Diotima in the Symposium. Politically, he believes in obeying the laws of...

It is a procedure for discovering the essence of a thing 2.

Socrates' actions before the jury may seem brash but are not irrational when viewed through his philosophical goals. His primary aim is to defend his reputation rather than avoid execution. Socrates...

In Plato's "Apology" (39a-42a), Socrates employs several persuasive techniques. He utilizes ethos by projecting his character as calm and brave, enhancing his credibility. Socrates also uses logos by...

A modern-day parallel to Socrates from "Apology," "Crito," and "Meno" could be investigative journalists who challenge authority by exposing corruption, akin to Socrates' role as a "gadfly" speaking...

Socrates' execution for blasphemy and corrupting the youth is debated; he likely did not deserve death. However, Socrates himself accepted the punishment, viewing it as honorable. He refused to...

Socrates' philosophy, "The unexamined life is not worth living," promotes self-reflection as essential for meaningful existence, while Paris Hilton's "I don't really think; I just walk" implies...

Someone might consider Socrates foolish for not escaping his execution because it seemed arrogant to prioritize defending his beliefs over saving his life. However, the rebuttal is that escaping...