In this paper, I will argue that Socrates’s remark at 30a-b of the Apology that acquiring the best possible state of the soul is the most important thing in life and argue as to why I agree with him. Specifically, I will underline the importance of rejecting false beliefs and obtaining true knowledge by doing philosophy, which are essential for having a pure soul as well as being superior to wealth. Furthermore, I will provide an example from the Euthyphro, demonstrating the importance of knowledge and how eliminating false beliefs is crucial. Then I will evaluate an objection that the example does not showcase the importance of wealth, especially in regard to today’s society. I will respond by asserting that even in today’s society, materialistic
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The objection would be that Euthyphro and Socrates are not talking about whether the best possible state of the soul is more important than wealth but rather, what it means for one to have a good soul. Furthermore, many would say that knowledge can be bought with money and having money is crucial in today’s society. Additionally, some may say that money can purchase education and therefore, acquire …show more content…
It is apparent that Euthyphro does not truly know what piety is; therefore, his soul is not in the best possible state since he has false beliefs. Certainly, money can buy education; however, it cannot buy true knowledge, which can only be attained through one 's desire and persistence to do philosophy. True knowledge, unlike wealth, is embedded within oneself. Even if Euthyphro had money to buy education to know what piety truly is, he would not know until he does philosophy. Bertrand Russell emphasizes the value of philosophy in The Problems of Philosophy stating that “...[i]t greatly increases our knowledge as to what they may be; it removes the somewhat arrogant dogmatism of those who have never traveled into the region of liberating doubt, and it keeps alive our sense of wonder by showing familiar things in an unfamiliar aspect” (Russell, 157). Even in today 's society, having true knowledge about the greater things in life such as goodness and piety is what makes one wiser and open-minded. Specifically, doing philosophy allows one to contemplate about big concepts and to examine one’s own beliefs. So Socrates’s 30a-b statement is still valid even when wealth
The objection would be that Euthyphro and Socrates are not talking about whether the best possible state of the soul is more important than wealth but rather, what it means for one to have a good soul. Furthermore, many would say that knowledge can be bought with money and having money is crucial in today’s society. Additionally, some may say that money can purchase education and therefore, acquire …show more content…
It is apparent that Euthyphro does not truly know what piety is; therefore, his soul is not in the best possible state since he has false beliefs. Certainly, money can buy education; however, it cannot buy true knowledge, which can only be attained through one 's desire and persistence to do philosophy. True knowledge, unlike wealth, is embedded within oneself. Even if Euthyphro had money to buy education to know what piety truly is, he would not know until he does philosophy. Bertrand Russell emphasizes the value of philosophy in The Problems of Philosophy stating that “...[i]t greatly increases our knowledge as to what they may be; it removes the somewhat arrogant dogmatism of those who have never traveled into the region of liberating doubt, and it keeps alive our sense of wonder by showing familiar things in an unfamiliar aspect” (Russell, 157). Even in today 's society, having true knowledge about the greater things in life such as goodness and piety is what makes one wiser and open-minded. Specifically, doing philosophy allows one to contemplate about big concepts and to examine one’s own beliefs. So Socrates’s 30a-b statement is still valid even when wealth