most interesting and influential thinker of the 5th century BCSocrates.This thinker lived in ancient Greece.Life and Philosophy of Socrates (briefly describe very difficult, but we will try to highlight key points) are inextricably linked, as you will see by reading this article.Because he was looking for true knowledge, not only sought to win over the opponent, Socrates used in an effort to achieve the same logical truth techniques that sophists.He put all things into question and take them for the truth only after careful consideration, so that this thinker is considered the first representative of the critical philosophy.The philosophy of Socrates briefly and clearly summarized below and presented to your attention.
Sources studying
Socrates as a thinker was well known in his time because of public speaking and social activities.He himself did not write anything, so that when the study we rely only on the records left by his pupils (in particular, Xenophon and Plato).Biography and philosophy of Socrates is summarized in their works.The difficulty is that Plato was also a philosopher and often insert their own theories in the dialogues, which he represented as a discussion between Socrates and other well-known by his contemporaries.
Nevertheless, it is assumed that, at least in the early dialogues of Plato gives us an accurate idea of what is the philosophy of Socrates, concise and understandable.
"Euthyphro": What is piety
In "Euthyphro", for example, describes the sharply critical conversation with Socrates confident young man.I am finding that Evtifron fully confident in the rightness of their ethical, morally ambiguous even in the event of litigation with his own father, Socrates asks him what is "piety" (moral obligation) in its opinion.The point here is not simply a list of actions that can be called pious.Evtifron to give a general definition, encompassing the essence of the concept of "piety".But each answer, which offers young man subjected to a thorough critique of Socrates until Evtifron is no longer anything to offer.
approval gods
In particular, Socrates Euthyphro systematically refutes the assumption that the criterion of the correctness of an action - the approval of the gods.Firstly, the question of what constitutes the "right" always causes endless disputes, and the gods often contradict themselves in this, as well as people, calling this or that act is both good and bad.Socrates Euthyphro allows recoup (only in order to continue the debate) and accepts a reservation that the gods must first become fully unanimous in this matter (note that this problem only occurs in a polytheistic culture).
Second, more importantly, Socrates makes a formal dilemma of seemingly simple question is: "Love the gods as such piety or piety becomes devotion because it is loved by the gods?".
Neither of these two options is not suitable for the definition of piety, Euthyphro proposed.If the right thing is pious because they disapprove of the gods, then the moral rightness of an arbitrary totally dependent on the whims of the gods.If the gods love piety, as such, it follows that there must be some undivine source of values, known to us.
difficult dilemma
In fact, this dilemma offers considerable difficulties when trying to associate morality with foreign authorities.Consider, for example, issues with a similar structure: "My parents approve of this action because it is right, or my act right because his parents disapprove of?", "The State prohibits such behavior because of the fact that it is ungodly; orit is impious because the state forbids it? ".In the second alternative in each of these cases, actions are correct (wrong) just because some authority approves (does not approve of) them.The choice, therefore, has no rational justification, as it is impossible to attribute the undeniable wisdom of this external power.But in the first embodiment authority approves (or disapproves) some behavior because it is itself the right (or wrong), is not dependent on it.That is, following this logic, we are able to independently distinguish good from evil.
Thus the philosophy of Socrates and Plato, summarized above, suggests to question (if you do not deny) any progress in solving philosophical problems.This method helps to eliminate errors when dealing with serious issues and called for intellectual independence.The philosophy of Socrates briefly and clearly revealed to us by example.
Character Evtifron, however, does not change at the end of the dialogue, he leaves the stage in the same self-confident, and what has been.Using the Socratic method leads to the victory of reason, but could not convince those to whom he appeals.
"Apology"
Due to the fact that Socrates was not a supporter of the current regime, the representatives of the Athenian democracy accused him of undermining the state religion, and child molestation.Speech, which he put forward in his defense, given in the "Apology" Plato and gives us a deeper understanding of the approach to the philosophy of Socrates, his relationship to the practical life.
ironic modesty
Explaining their mission philosopher, Socrates Post quoted an oracle that he is the most intelligent of the Greeks.Then follows a series of ironic descriptions thinker effort to refute the oracle in talks with well-known Athenians, who must certainly be wiser than he.After each conversation, however, Socrates came to the conclusion that it has an air of wisdom, which lacks these people, namely the recognition of their own ignorance.
Philosophy of the Sophists and Socrates briefly
The purpose of this question was to help people achieve true self-knowledge, even if it leads to unpleasant discoveries.The philosophy of Socrates, concise and comprehensible manner, always comes down to this question.Socrates inverts the Sophists methods using logical inconsistency to show (not create) the illusion of reality.
devotion to truth
Even after he was found guilty, Socrates refused to recant his beliefs and his method.He also refuses to accept exile from Athens, and the requirement to shut up, insisting that the public discussion of the major problems of the life and virtues - an integral part of any human life.Philosopher prefers to die rather than renounce their philosophy.
Even after he was sentenced to death, Socrates (philosophy summarized above) quietly utters the last word - thinking that we all prepare the future.Having said that man's fate after death is unknown, he nevertheless expressed his unwavering belief in the power of reason, which is preached throughout his life and which had its judges.So from this perspective it is not clear who actually won the court case.
Dramatic image of Plato man who prefers to look death in the face, but do not give up their belief, was the prototype of the future philosophers of antiquity, who took the example of this outstanding thinker.The philosophy of Socrates, Plato, Aristotle briefly and in general terms is somewhat similar.
"Creighton": the person and the state
Plato's description of the last days of Socrates was continued in "Creighton".While in prison awaiting execution, the philosopher continues to quietly reflect on the major issues of concern to him still at large.The basic ideas of the philosophy of Socrates briefly voiced them here.Even unjust sentences judges is in thinker bitterness or anger.Friends come to prison with a perfect plan to escape from Athens and lives in self-imposed exile, but Socrates calmly involves them in a reasonable discussion about the moral value of such an act, question it.
course, Creighton and the other disciples knew their teacher, they have come already prepared for such disputes and stocked arguments in favor of his plan.Salvation will reduce personal obligations to fulfill in life.Moreover, if he refuses to flee, many will assume that his friends cared enough about it and therefore did not have organized the escape.Thus, in order to fulfill their obligations and maintain the reputation of friends, Socrates had to escape from prison.
Truth expensive
But the philosopher rejects these arguments as having no relation to the truth.What others say is of no value.As he stated in the "Apology" is not true of the majority opinion, but the opinion of a single person who really knows.Only the truth can be a criterion for decision-making and the only arguments that appeal to the truth, he is ready to take on your friends.
Socrates comes here from the general moral principle:
- Do not do evil (even in response to the evil committed by others).
- should submit to the state.
Avoiding sentence of the Athenian court, he showed disobedience to the state, Socrates decided that he should not escape from prison.As always, his actions are consistent with the course of his reasoning.Philosopher chose adherence to truth and morality, even though it cost him his life.
general, the duty to act fairly is of fundamental importance from the point of view of morality, and the escape of Socrates would be considered insubordination.However, the assertion that you should always obey the state, can not be considered quite so certain.From the standpoint of Socrates, the state should treat its citizens like a parent with a child, and because parents are always worth listening to, just as you should always obey the state.However, the question of the admissibility of such a comparison is debatable.Obey their parents - a temporary commitment that we take on, until we grow up and we must submit to the state as long as the die.
was presented to your attention the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates.Philosophy short and hopefully clear was described in this article.
