The search for the truth begins on finding out where to look, and what exactly one should look for. Socrates searches for the "good life," and the wisdom, happiness, and justice that come with it. Ethical behavior is indeed a cornerstone of how Socrates would say that one should live his or her life. However, I think Socrates would say that the good actions would stand, regardless (autonomously) of the people in a society, family, or culture. One good point Socrates makes in the Apology (his trial) is his assertion, that he only listens to the crowd if they are right. Ergo, the crowd is right when they advocate for the truly right decision, not because they are a crowd, but merely by virtue of calling for the right action.
Seeing as ethical conduct consists of good actions, and Socrates thought that the goodness of everything in the world was timeless and even deserving of the recognition of god (not by their creation) he probably would have said that by examining our lives and by living virtuously, we would be on our way to living the good life. Regardless of where we live, who we talk to, or any religion or traditions we uphold, the good stands independent of all of it, therefore, anyone can attain it.
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Chapter 2: Question 2
Did Socrates think that persuasive rhetoric was bad, or merely the misuse of it?
For me, it seems like a tougher question than one would think. While Socrates obviously speaks to the fallacious nature of rhetoric, the analogies he uses can occasionally be questionable, thus, possibly committing the informal fallacy of weak analogy. Some scholars will also point out that while Socrates speaks down to sophistry and poetry, Plato (who wrote all of Socrates' dialogues) is renowned as one of the most eloquent philosophical writers in history. Plato's Republic is on par with classic literature, as far as the reader is concerned.
With that being said, Socrates places the highest emphasis on the love and pursuit of knowledge, for knowledge's sake, and acknowledges the great power of it's usage, for better or worse. Given the time period (filled with prominent and influential sophists), it's possible that Socrates only witnessed the downside to persuasive rhetoric, therefore, I would not be surprised to find that he thought it had no place in any kind of medium or school of thought.
For me, it seems like a tougher question than one would think. While Socrates obviously speaks to the fallacious nature of rhetoric, the analogies he uses can occasionally be questionable, thus, possibly committing the informal fallacy of weak analogy. Some scholars will also point out that while Socrates speaks down to sophistry and poetry, Plato (who wrote all of Socrates' dialogues) is renowned as one of the most eloquent philosophical writers in history. Plato's Republic is on par with classic literature, as far as the reader is concerned.
With that being said, Socrates places the highest emphasis on the love and pursuit of knowledge, for knowledge's sake, and acknowledges the great power of it's usage, for better or worse. Given the time period (filled with prominent and influential sophists), it's possible that Socrates only witnessed the downside to persuasive rhetoric, therefore, I would not be surprised to find that he thought it had no place in any kind of medium or school of thought.
Chapter 2: Question 1
Why did Socrates risk his life trying to enlighten the most cynical relativists?
Socrates was told that the Oracle of Delphi named him the wisest man alive. He spent the rest of his life trying to prove the Oracle wrong. This greatly involved the questioning and debating with many prominent figures in the Arts, Politics, ect, many of whom were those same relativists, and students of a sophist.
Socrates not only asked questions to prove the Oracle wrong, but also because he truly thought that virtuous knowledge and wisdom would lead to a happy and just life. In that context, it's easy seeing why he risked his life; for the ultimate goal, the greatest happiness. Living the "good life," was the way to get there, and for Socrates, the risks that came with it were minimal.
Socrates was told that the Oracle of Delphi named him the wisest man alive. He spent the rest of his life trying to prove the Oracle wrong. This greatly involved the questioning and debating with many prominent figures in the Arts, Politics, ect, many of whom were those same relativists, and students of a sophist.
Socrates not only asked questions to prove the Oracle wrong, but also because he truly thought that virtuous knowledge and wisdom would lead to a happy and just life. In that context, it's easy seeing why he risked his life; for the ultimate goal, the greatest happiness. Living the "good life," was the way to get there, and for Socrates, the risks that came with it were minimal.
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