Biography of Socrates Essay - 1166 Words

Socrates is known in todays world as one of the greatest philosophers in history. He brought many revolutionary ideas to ancient Athens during his life and even after his death. He had many followers that beloved him even till death. His tragic death only led him to become a martyr for philosophy. Socrates never wrote anything down so what we know of his life is the from the records left by his followers, mainly Plato. Socrates was born around 470 B.C. in Athens to a family with moderate wealth. His father was a mason and his mother was a midwife. He followed his father’s footsteps and became a stone mason as his first job. He was a mason for a few years before he decided to become a philosopher. Because of his family’s wealth, he was†¦show more content†¦Socrates was after the pursuit of truth. Because of this he called everything into question(Philosophypages.com). He believed that ultimate wisdom came from understanding oneself. He believed that the perfect government would come about if it was led by people that had a complete understanding of themselves because they would be able to make the best choices. He believed that knowledge and virtue were inseparable. He said that you could define virtue as right knowledge, and that right thinking and right doing can be distinguished from each other, but they can not be separated.(Sproul 31) Socrates also developed the Socratic Method which is still used to this day. The Socratic Method is the method in which you ask provocative questions in order to try to get your opponent and your audience to think through the problem and to develop their own conclusion(Biography.com). He searched for specific definitions by asking people around the city, from the common to the richest of nobles. Socrates also created ethics based on human reasons. He was deemed the wisest man in Athens by an oracle, but after much thought he realized that he was ignorant but unlike the common man, was wiser for acceptin g his ignorance and he came to the conclusion that ignorance was the beginning of knowledge. He believed that logic was what was left when the facts are exhausted. â€Å"One of the greatestShow MoreRelatedBiography of Socrates, An Annotated Bibliography1581 Words   |  6 Pages Bibliographical Annotations FUTTER, DYLAN. â€Å"Socrates Human Wisdom.† Dialogue: Canadian Philosophical Review 52.1 (2013): 61-79. Humanities International Complete. Print. Dylan, the senior lecturer of the Department of Philosophy at University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg and author of several articles provides the argument that a satisfactory interpretation of human wisdom can be given in terms of â€Å"philosophia†.He confirms his analysis by its resolution of some enduring difficulties in theRead MoreThe Recordless: A Socrates Biography867 Words   |  4 Pagesphilosopher Socrates remains, as he was in his lifetime, an enigma, an instructable individual who, despite having written nothing, is considered one of the handful of philosophers who forever changed how philosophy itself was to be conceived†(Nails). A great philosopher named Socrates once changed the very way man perceived nature. Socrates was a man that lived life to its fullest, from being a foot soldier, or hoplite, to freelancing around the town hall barefoot and smelly. Socrates, because heRead MoreThe Philosophy Of Plato s Philosophy1340 Words   |  6 PagesGreek Philosopher Socrates. He was unique because he did not write any of his work down. This â€Å"lack of discipline† caused him to ask people what they believed and why. Socrates did this to show them the difference between truth and what they felt to be true; he would help them see the truth despite their ideas possibly being incorrect 9 (Ethics for life, 13). Most of the time people would not be able to stand firm on their beliefs 10(Britannica). This brought hatred toward Socrates. Eventually theyRead MoreEssay about Comparison of Socrates and Siddhartha Guatama Buddha 880 Words   |  4 PagesSocrates and Siddhartha Guatama Buddha have many similarities; they both believe in the importance of justice and good, and a simpler way of life. However, they have different goals: Socrates concerns with worldly meanings and codes, he deals with truth and morals. Buddha concerns with attaining the outer-worldly through mastering the worldly. Socrates relinquishes sensual desires i n hopes of spiritual rebirth after death and achieving enlightenment in life. Buddha relinquishes the same ideas, butRead MoreMartin Luther King Jr. Essay1553 Words   |  7 Pageseducated scholar, and not an angry black reformer. In doing so, he creates a stronger foundation for his own ideas and views, thus giving his need for change a more rational basis. Later, King uses a well-known philosopher in his argument. Just as Socrates felt that it was necessary to create a tension in the mind so that individuals could rise from the bondage of myths and half-truths to the unfettered realm of creative analysis and objective appraisal, so must we see the need for nonviolent gadfliesRead MoreAnalysis Of The Book The First Ones 1562 Words   |  7 Pages(Plato-Biography, egs.edu). His birth name was Aristocles and gained the nickname Platon later on. He had two brothers named Adeimantus and Glaucon (Plato-Biography, egs.edu). When Plato met Socrates, he adopted his philosophy and discussed about virtue. From 409 BC to 404 BC, Plato was in military service during the Peloponnesian War, which was a war between Athens and Sparta (Plato-Biography, egs.edu). After the war, Plato joined the Athenian politics, but shortly left because Socrates, PlatoRead MoreSocrates s Philosophy And Critical Analysis1138 Words   |  5 Pages Socrates [Author Name] [University] Socrates Socrates- A Brief Intro Socrates is known for his imminent contribution in western philosophy. A deep insight into his philosophical theories and concepts was possible only through the works of his disciples, Plato and Xenophon. Socrates left no written record of his writings or dialogues he had with different people across the city of Athens. He had a unique indirect way of diving into the reality of variousRead MoreEssay on Plato1158 Words   |  5 PagesPlato: The Life of Plato Plato was born around 427 BC, in Athens Greece to rich and politically involved family. Platos parents spared no expense in educating him; he was taught at the finest schools. He was taught by Socrates and defended Socrates when he was on trial. Plato traveled to Italy and may have even visited Egypt before founding The Academy. Plato also visited Sicily and instructed a young king there before returning to The Academy to teach for twenty years before his death in 347Read MoreA Comparison of Great Scientists in History Essay1063 Words   |  5 PagesSocrates was an Ancient Greek philosopher who lived from 469-399 B.C. Much of what he knew he learned from another famous Ancient Greek philosopher, Plato. Concerning logic and human behavior in general, â€Å"Socrates’ life was inspired by discussion and debate with both the young of Athens and the leading philosophers of his day† (Daintith, Vol. 9 93). He introduced methodical and ordered thinking. Socrates is quoted a s having said, â€Å"It seemed to me a superlative thing to know the explanation ofRead MoreThe Great Philosopher728 Words   |  3 Pagesdid Plato enjoy learning, he also enjoyed wrestling and playwriting. Plato became a follower of Socrates when he was about twenty years old. During 409 BCE-404 BCE, Plato served as a soldier in the Peloponnesian war. After serving in the war Plato considered join the political world, but changed his mind due to the devastation caused by the execution of Socrates in 399 BCE. After the death of Socrates, Plato wrote The Apology . Plato wrote this book to present the idea of self-defence. After writing