SOCRATES

Philosophy of Socrates

Philosophy of Socrates

In the “Euthyphro”, Socrates uses 'dialectic and refutation to critically evaluate Euthyphro's claim to know what piety is. Explain and illustrate the meaning of dialectic and refutation.

In classical philosophy, dialectic (Greek: dialectic) is conflict: the exchange of arguments and counter-arguments that support corresponding proposals (theses) and counter-propositions (opposition). One way to proceed - the Socratic method - is to show that case (other income) leads to a contradiction? Thus forcing the withdrawal of the case as a candidate for truth (see also reductio ad absurdum). Another way to resolve a disagreement is by denying some provided by the thesis and counter claim thereby moving towards a third (syn) thesis or "sublation". However, the rejection of the conditions of the participant may be criticized, what force produces a second battle order (Frede, 1992). Refutation is the contradicting a person the reasons or explanations from someone saying they are not true or valid.

The Apology is said to be an exercise in 'self-examination'. What does Socrates mean by 'self-examination' and why is it important?

“The Apology”, written by Plato, is a recounting of Socrates' testimony at his trials. In the speech, he made an attempt to defend himself for accusations made against him. The way he defended himself was unusual because he never went against what he believed in. Socrates was accused of corrupting the youth with what he was teaching. Earlier, during this time, when a speech like this was given; it was known as an “Apology”. According to Webster's Dictionary it means an admission of error or discourtesy accompanied by an expression of regret. However, this did not hold the same meaning when Socrates used this word (Plato, 1901). In the “Apology”, Socrates announced that his purpose was to become a nuisance to Athens. Socrates used to believe that, in order for him to be ethical or good, this is the lifestyle he must follow to accomplish this. In doing this, he received the title “the wisest man” from the Oracle. Socrates responded in an unusual way to this, saying, “But the truth is that God only is wise; and by his answer he intends to show that the wisdom of men is worth little or nothing (Plato pp. 8)".

By self-examination, Socrates meant to know one self. Knowing yourself means to learn by external means what you really are and what you should do, come back to you, but to find in you what is constant and that belongs to human nature general design. Socrates asked the question about the good (agathon) and virtue (arete) which established the right action and should eventually bring about happiness. But this perfection could only occur after of acquired self-knowledge, which is why Socrates asked: "Know thyself."

Everyone should worry about his soul, will then do the philosophical insight into the nature of the virtues, and because that is the goodness of man sprang from the state of his soul. Virtue is knowledge, and because each capable of virtue, because is ...