Socrates was a Greek Philosopher that was put on trial and killed because of his teachings. He was also charged with the following: not recognizing the Gods recognized by the state, inventing deities, and corrupting the youth of Athens. Socrates claimed that the Men of Athens knew nothing and were ignorant. During the trial Socrates did not apologize or show remorse for his actions. In fact, he kept preaching and claiming that he was merely telling the truth. He explains that he believes it is his duty to question the “Wise” men and expose their ignorance (Sparknotes.com). Socrates was not well-born or wealthy, however many of his followers included several of the most politically conspicuous Athenian citizens. When the democratic
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As a result, Socrates had no fear of death. In Plato’s Apology, he says that …show more content…
It was believed that he believed in the reincarnation of an eternal soul if it contained all knowledge. He claimed that human beings lose touch with that knowledge at every birth, and so we need to be reminded of what we already know. He said that he did not teach, but rather served, like his mother. Making use of questions and answers to remind his students of knowledge is called maieutics, dialectics, or the Socratic method. One example of his effect on philosophy is found in the dialog Euthyphro. He suggests that what is to be considered a good act is not good because Gods say it is, but is good because it is useful to us in our efforts to be better and happier people. This means that ethics is no longer a matter of asking the Gods or the word for what is good or bad, instead thinking about life. He even placed individual conscience and one's own thinking above the law -- which was dangerous because it upset the men of Athens. Socrates never wrote any of his ideas down, instead he included his students -- wealthy young men of Athens -- in endless conversations. In exchange for his teaching, they made sure that he was taken care of. Since he claimed to have few needs, he did not ask for much
As a result, Socrates had no fear of death. In Plato’s Apology, he says that …show more content…
It was believed that he believed in the reincarnation of an eternal soul if it contained all knowledge. He claimed that human beings lose touch with that knowledge at every birth, and so we need to be reminded of what we already know. He said that he did not teach, but rather served, like his mother. Making use of questions and answers to remind his students of knowledge is called maieutics, dialectics, or the Socratic method. One example of his effect on philosophy is found in the dialog Euthyphro. He suggests that what is to be considered a good act is not good because Gods say it is, but is good because it is useful to us in our efforts to be better and happier people. This means that ethics is no longer a matter of asking the Gods or the word for what is good or bad, instead thinking about life. He even placed individual conscience and one's own thinking above the law -- which was dangerous because it upset the men of Athens. Socrates never wrote any of his ideas down, instead he included his students -- wealthy young men of Athens -- in endless conversations. In exchange for his teaching, they made sure that he was taken care of. Since he claimed to have few needs, he did not ask for much