SOCRATES 469399 B'C'

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SOCRATES (469-399 B.C.)
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PLATO (427-347 B.C)
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BACKGROUND

• Plato and the origins of philosophy
• Plato and Socrates

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Socrates Apology

• Note that apology is just a transliteration of
  the Greek title and means simply defense, not
  expression of regret

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Socrates defense against his first accusers

• The accusations(cf. The Clouds) (18a-19d)
• Speculation
• Sophistry
• Response
• Appeal to those who know him
• Explanation of the accusations (Delphic oracle)
  (21a-24b)

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Present Accusations

• corrupting the youth
• Irreligion
• Response through cross-examination of Meletus
  (24b-28a)

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Socrates Way of Life

• He sees his way of life as a duty, not just a
  personal preference (28d)
• Negative element deflating those who think they
  are wise
• Positive element endorse truth and virtue
  (wisdom) (29d-30b)

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Socratic Ignorance

• Socrates says he knows nothing (except that he
  lacks knowledge)
• But he also claims to know that wisdom (knowledge
  and virtue) are the highest goods
• A resolution

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Fuller account of Socrates philosophical project

• The goal of philosophy is knowledge of how to
  live a good life
• Unlike most of us, Socrates does not think he has
  this knowledge
• Two things he does claim to know
• The good life is one of knowledge and virtue, not
  pleasure and success
• Rational inquiry is need to learn what knowledge
  and virtue are

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Philosophy and Death

• Typical reactions to death
• Superstition
• Materialism
• Socrates view why fear the unknown? (29b)
• Argument that death is good (40c-41b)

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Is Death a Good? (40d-e)

• 1. Death is either complete lack consciousness or
  it is a relocation to an afterlife.
• 2. If death is lack of consciousness, it is a
  good (compare sleep).
• 3. If death is relocation to an afterlife, it is
  also a good.
• 4. Therefore, death is a good.

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The Politics of the Apology

• Why was Socrates convicted and condemned to
  death?
• opposition to democracy
• Attitude toward the jury