hey... I was just wondering since we haven't discussed plato and socrates that much and I'm only a high schooler (in asia), I would like to know what are the main criticisms on plato and socrates' philosophies? socrates was sent to prison right? why? we watched a film for about 30 mins and didnt get to finish it. I was just intruiged because this would be our topic for the next three meetings. I would like to have a head start... many many many thanks!
2006-08-02 02:42:18 · 5 answers · asked by JCC 2 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
Socrates was described as a gadfly; a gadfly is an annoying little insect that irritates horses. Socrates left no written works, what we know about Socrates is through Plato's dialogues, The Apology, Euthyphro, Crito and Phaedo. In the other works Plato only uses Socrates as a mouthpiece and it is not necessarily the historical person. Socrates was railroaded to death, certain people especially Meletus wanted him out of the way. Socrates however, could have escaped, even the Athenian officials probably would have encouraged it, just so long as Socrates didn't return. Socrates chose death because he believed the life of a philosopher was to prepare for death. Plato is another matter, he did write numerous dialogues, but he never indicates his position. He uses others to engage in dialogue, but never states his position. Plato did however, despise the Sophists, because of their charging exorbitant fees for teaching, and their relativistic thinking . This is brought out in two dialogues, The Gorgias( a real person) and The Sophist. Socrates as the hero of Plato's dialogues holds to objective knowledge, reincarnation, recollection rather than learning. Politically, Socrates believes a ruler should be a Philosoper-King. He is very critical of democracy, and especially living in Athens, where democracy flourished.
2006-08-02 03:32:16 · answer #1 · answered by tigranvp2001 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Socrates was accused of polluting the minds of the youth in the Greek city-state of Athens. It was a conspiracy by the aristocrats who were threatened by the superior wisdom of Socrates. He was found guilty of the charges and was sentenced by majority of votes in the jury and was killed by making to drink hemlock, a poison. Plato was his most favourite and the greatest of his disciples.
2006-08-02 09:53:54 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Socrates was forced to commit suicide by drinking hemlock. Plato was his teacher. Both are know as founders of democracy.
2006-08-02 12:38:20 · answer #3 · answered by genius vs. genius 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think they sent him to jail stating that he had a "bad influence" in society. You know, the government was annoyed by this habit of Socrates of questioning everything and his will to help people to reason and think.
2006-08-02 09:51:29 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
tigranvp2001
Summarized it best, go with that!
2006-08-03 00:23:55 · answer #5 · answered by LeBlanc 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋