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Socrates' ancient Greek philosophy

The topic of discussion is Plato and the philosophical ideas that emerged during the classical Greek period.

The individual in question is from a previous time period. Socrates of Athens (399–470 BCE), a prominent figure in the advancement of classical Greek philosophy, has attained a legendary reputation within Western civilization. Socrates' birth is attributed to Phaenarete, a practitioner of midwifery, and Sophroniscus, an individual skilled in the crafts of stonemasonry and artistic expression, during the approximate period of 470 BCE. During his formative years, Socrates received instruction in music, acrobatics, and language from his father, who was both a teacher and an artist. Socrates is portrayed as a diligent individual in various mythological and folkloric accounts. Grace stumbled upon his artistic creations being transported to the Acropolis, where they would be appreciated by visitors for an extended period, reaching into the second century. During the Battle of Potidaea, Socrates demonstrated exceptional military skill by successfully rescuing General Alcibiades without assistance. The individual he married was Xanthippe, an elderly heiress. Socrates and Xanthippe procreated a total of three offspring. Xenophon and other historical figures have provided evidence indicating that Socrates' sons did not possess the same level of intellectual prowess as their father. It appears that Socrates led a typical life up until the Oracle at Delphi examined him and declared his knowledge and skills to be exceptionally amazing.

When Chaerephon, an associate of Socrates, reached a stage of maturity, he posed a query to the Oracle, inquiring whether there existed an individual of superior intellect to that of the Oracle. The Oracle responded in a calm manner, stating, "None." Socrates was surprised by the response of the Oracle and thereafter embarked on a mission to refute its assertions by engaging in intellectual debates with the most knowledgeable individuals in the city in order to scrutinize and question their own judgments, comparisons, and evaluations. The researcher made a disheartening discovery: that those who were highly regarded for their brilliance were actually more likely to suffer from intellectual impairments, whereas those who were perceived as regular citizens were significantly more intelligent. The youth of Athens derived amusement from observing Socrates engage in dialogue with the elder members of society who attended his lectures. Consequently, he swiftly garnered a group of disciples who, inspired by his conduct and teachings, abandoned traditional professional pursuits in favour of pursuing a philosophical calling. According to Socrates, the greatest significance was in the pursuit of a virtuous and morally upright existence. The statement commonly attributed to Plato suggests that a daily routine that is not subject to critical examination lacks value in terms of personal growth and meaningful experiences. The portrayal of him as a figure who motivated his adherents to question established beliefs and independently discern the essence of divine and appropriate behaviour appears to be valid.

Both Plato and Xenophon give different accounts of Socrates, but they both show him as someone who didn't care about social status or social norms and instead had intellectually stimulating conversations with people from a wide range of social classes.

It is indisputable that he is widely recognized as the progenitor of Western philosophy. The subject had worked in a variety of occupations, including stone cutting and combat, before the Oracle of Delphi recognized him as the most intelligent person in the world. Socrates aimed to challenge the notion of his superior intelligence by embarking on a novel professional pursuit wherein he engaged individuals in critical inquiry, thus seeking to refute the oracle's claim of his unparalleled wisdom. Nevertheless, this outcome merely substantiated the oracle's assertion that he was not feigning knowledge in instances where he lacked it.

Plato, a renowned Greek philosopher (c. 384–c. 370 BCE), gained prominence as a distinguished pupil of Socrates. His notable contributions encompass the establishment of Plato's Academy in Athens, an esteemed educational establishment during ancient times, and the composition of philosophical dialogues wherein Socrates assumes a pivotal position. The explicit engagement of Socrates' teachings in Plato's dialogues remains a subject of ongoing debate, with no imminent resolution anticipated.

The intellectual theories proposed by Socrates show a level of advancement comparable to that of Pythagoras or the subsequent teachings of Jesus. However, it is noteworthy that no attempts have been made to substantiate these beliefs. The formation of the Western philosophical canon is often attributed to Socrates, although the majority of our knowledge in this regard may be traced back to Plato. Efforts have been made to rebuild Plato's philosophy through comparative analysis of the doctrines espoused by his many schools of thought. However, the inherent dissimilarities among these philosophical systems hinder their ability to offer a comprehensive elucidation of Plato's original teachings.

Xenophon posits that Socrates harboured a clandestine desire for a guilty verdict and subsequent execution. Based on Plato's narrative of the preface to the Apology, it may be affirmed that this assertion holds true. Following the demise of Socrates, his adherents expeditiously undertook the task of transposing his philosophical tenets and literary works into many languages while concurrently establishing novel philosophical establishments. Limited knowledge exists regarding Socrates beyond the extant records provided by Plato, Xenophon, Aristophanes' comedic portrayal, and Aristotle's subsequent literary contributions.

Sources

Döring, Klaus (2011). "The Students of Socrates". In Donald R. Morrison (ed.).
The Cambridge Companion to Socrates. Cambridge University Press.
Johnson, Curtis (2013). "Socrates' political philosophy". In Nicholas D. Smith
Rowe, Christopher (2006). "Socrates in Plato's Dialogues".
In Sara Ahbel-Rappe (ed.). A Companion to Socrates.

I did this as a paper at University..I have précised it down

Socrates' sons did not possess the same level of intellectual prowess as their father.

The above line reminds me of my critics on this site ..

In reply to sgtdjones

Yuh thesis reference ah paper from 2013? When yuh wrote that?

In reply to Halliwell

Its one of a few thesis I have accomplished.

By your question it shows lack of understanding such documents

Why dont you fck off...

I wonder how intelligent these critics are

Noted I wrote it at University ...
then I precised it down..
Could it be , I found updates such as

Thus incorporating it; up dating my original paper.
But I reckon it's beyond one's thinking on this site..

In reply to sgtdjones

Yuh rattled by Arawak? Don’t take it out on me. I am interested from an academic perspective. Furthermore I ent understand the explanation.

In reply to Halliwell

I wrote it in simple English , if you can't figure i out ask my critics...
I dont have an Ai to help me in such cases.

I am not rattled by Arawak..I am referring to you.
If he doesn't like what I write ban me ..

Its the moronic idiots on this site that pisses me off.

I am not changing...

In reply to Halliwell

In reply to sgtdjones

Arrite arrite
Yuh say yuh précis the single thing and not that yuh updated the analysis with new stuff. I shudda know précis mean that. My mistake.

In reply to Halliwell

Prior to condensing/precis my university notes, I examine them for recent revisions that may have been added a few years ago, it would update my documents.
If so, I integrate those newly established principles. I then note such in sources.

Is such hard to comprehend?

In reply to sgtdjones

Nope
Easy

No go and get some scriptures to comfort you ...
And kindly fck off my thread..

In reply to Halliwell

As you're one of the 3 people who, for some reason, consistently interact with the unrepentant liar,
plz find out which of his numerous colleges and universities this was written for.

In reply to VIX

You still paying for female companionship?..

Your UWI Education will hinder you from understanding what I wrote..

The Universities I went to , you can only visit if someone invites you on the property

It takes one to know one..eh

Still angry after you were called up by putting a barbie doll in my hands huh?
Hope I dont run into you near the QPO.. , a promise not a threat.