Political Philosophy: Steering the Middle Course

Kenneth C. Blanchard, Jr. “The Enemies of Socrates: Piety and Sophism in the Socratic Drama.” The Review of Politics. 62.3 (2003): 421-449. Print.

Socrates was a Greek philosopher who stood for knowledge and virtue. He believed that in order for people to live their best lives, it is necessary for them to do what is right. “It is wicked and shameful to do wrong, to disobey ones superior, be he god or man (Cooper, 29b).” Socrates represents self-knowledge which is evident through his quest for finding someone who was wiser than he was. After his run ins with the likes of the local politicians, craftsmen and poets, Socrates comes to the realization that although these individuals had mastered their craft and were knowledgeable in their field of work, they were clueless in many other important aspects of life. Through this awareness, he accepts the fact that

The portrayal of Socrates, through the book “the trial and death of Socrates” is one that has created a fairly controversial character in Western history. In many ways, Socrates changed the idea of common philosophy in ancient Greece; he transformed their view on philosophy from a study of why the way things are, into a consideration man. Specifically, he analyzed the virtue and health of the human soul. Along side commending Socrates for his strong beliefs, and having the courage to stand by those convictions, Socrates can be commended for many other desirable characteristics. Some of those can include being the first martyr to die for his philosophical beliefs and having the courage to challenge indoctrinated cultural norms is part of

Socrates put one’s quest for wisdom and the instruction of others above everything else in life. A simple man both in the way he talked and the wealth he owned, he believed that simplicity in whatever one did was the best way of acquiring knowledge and passing it unto others. He is famous for saying that “the unexplained life is not worth living.” He endeavored therefore to break down the arguments of those who talked with a flowery language and boasted of being experts in given subjects (Rhees 30). His aim was to show that the person making a claim on wisdom and knowledge was in fact a confused one whose clarity about a given subject was far from what they claimed. Socrates, in all his simplicity never advanced any theories of his own

He believes so strongly that individuals should act morally in every aspect of their lives that he spends a lot of time questioning the morality of public figures. Socrates says of these authorities, “I shall question him and examine him and put him to the test; and if it appears that in spite of his profession he has made no real progress towards goodness, I shall reprove him for neglecting what is of extreme importance, and giving his attention to trivialities” (56). Socrates would not approve of a leader who did not act ethically as a leader, as well as an individual.

People who never inspect what they hold valuable are swept up into society’s race to riches and fame, instead of focusing on enriching themselves and others with wisdom and truth. People often ruin their lives as well as others’ in pursuit of their vices. Socrates knew that by examining oneself and what values are genuinely important, one not only safeguards himself against such downfalls, but they can also be led to the most valuable things of

Athenian democracy ensures that a citizen in a society acts according to what society deems appropriate rather than by an individual's assumptions of what is acceptable. Athens as a whole stresses the importance of an active citizen whose life is intertwined with the government. In essence, an Athenian citizen can participate in the decision making of the state and will be enthusiastic in carrying out policies that pass in the assembly. Pericles, an Athenian statesman, makes it clear when he says that "each individual is interested not only in his own affairs but in the affairs of the state as well" (p.147 Thucydides). Socrates, a Greek philosopher, is a firm believer in examining one's actions in life and ensuring that a morally righteous

Socrates, while brilliant, was still very affected by the time period and the location in which he lived. Athens, the community in which he lived was far more homogenous than most countries today, whom contain an array of citizens from varying economic and ethnic backgrounds. Such diversity can, however unfortunate, create conflict. Thus, in order to make a community suitable for such a wide range of different people, the individual needs need to come to the

In the Euthyphro, many traits and tactics of Socrates are revealed. His conversation with Euthyphro also reveals his outlook on religion and emphasizes the Socratic method. The reading starts with Euthyphro questioning Socrates about his trial and who has convicted him. It is a man named Meletus who accuses Socrates “of being a poet or maker of gods...and that I make new gods and deny the existence of old ones.

Socrates rational could therefore bring a lasting effect to the people’s loyalty to the laws and how they are adhered to now and in the future. Hence Socrates was looking out for the betterment of the Polis. By not adhering to the imposed judgement he would be bring an injustice to the State which he has dedicated his life and service to.

Socrates does not value being a member of the political community, he leads more of a private life when interacting with the citizens one on one. However, he knows by questioning those within the city he may be annoying to them, but ultimately, he is helping them. When Socrates acts as the “gadfly” he is trying to help the city move forward. By leading a more private life he prefers to

Introduction: Socrates lived in a democratic society, a society in which many gained the dominant power in politics, a corrupted political system. In a closed society, authority figures manipulated people’s mind, citizens didn’t recognize what is right and wrong due to their ignorance. Socrates was the man who had the courage to step out and question their way of living while people at that time period thought that it was unusual to think that way, thus they put him on trial. Socrates was a virtuous man because he followed the moral teaching that he set up for himself and he is not being hypocritical but rather his behavior does conform his moral standards. He highly values the state laws, believes that questioning is a necessary process

Through this brief examination, we will attempt to gain a better understanding of Socrates’ views of justice, how they relate to his apparent disbelief in the ability to realize justice through public office, and how Socrates’ views on justice and public office are relevant in the modern world. To understand Socrates’ ideas of justice, one must read further into the works of Plato. Socrates acknowledges the vast and broad idea of justice, and attempts to answer the question of “what is justice?” through debate. In the Republic, Plato writes about Socrates, and of a meeting between him and many other Greek men.

The historical story of Socrates depicts why he was able to attract critics and followers from different geographical locations. A more profound assessment of his biography reveals how his arrogance put him on the wrong side of the law on many occasions throughout his life. It is essential to note that the significance of Socrates contribution to the society cannot be sidelined based on the dynamics which still expose his attributes in line with the perspectives of many experts of the ancient and present times. For example, both Aristophanes and Plato were determined to present their opinions over the life of Socrates . However,

Although Socrates encourages questioning authority, he focuses on achieving morality and justice. He believes that