is it better to be socrates than a pig?

Question

believe it or not, this actually is a topic for a quarter paper. i know it's hard, but please take it seriously. i can only get a 99% or a 0%. yep. pressure's on.

ron p:
i AM taking it seriously. and i DID NOT take philosophy. this isnt even for philosophy class. it's for morality. and wow jeez thanks for your EDUCATED OPINION. and as a matter of fact, i do have my own opinions and i used my brain writing this paper. wow, u contribute a lot to society dont u?
........................
sorry bout that. but other ppol here have very interesting thoughts. im gonna have to show this site to my teacher. (as a proof im not cheating. thank you very much, mr. ron p.)

Answer 1

Socrates was a teacher who used a unique method of teaching.. very useful in those days. Just ask questions and get the answers out of students/disciples. It requires much greater skills than to just teach what you know. A true demonstration of the "flight of knowledge from known to unknown" !
There is also a story that he was made to drink poison out of his own hands ! This was a discouraging factor, for aspirants who wished to become like him... Yet the 'better than a pig' hints at living purpose fully, a shorter life, than a full span, just eating procreating, sleeping , like a pig !

Answer 2

Isn't this a comparison of being a thinking, intellectually curious, long-lived being one one hand, and leading a quiet, non-troubled and simple but short life on the other?

Actually, using a pig is a bit misleading - the instructor could have said a sheep, a sturgeon, or a cockatoo - the whole genre of beings where the controlling forces are food, comfort, sex, and death.

So, for your essay, think about what goes into being a human - the same things as the animals, but also awareness, thought, intellectual curiosity [Socrates had a lot of that], knowledge of lessening powers and health with age, and so forth.

This is a good and intriguing question - kudos to your instructor.

Answer 3

Well, I don't know about your question but I hope this helps. John Stuart Mill, a philosopher, wrote the following: "It is better to be a human being dissatisfied than a pig satisfied; better to be Socrates dissatisfied than a fool satisfied". He didn't actually compare Socrates to a pig. Mill used these words to describe the principle of utility........I'm taking a Philosophy class and I'm actually reading this same material, so trust me...I know what I'm saying! Hope this helps......;0)

Answer 4

I'd rather be Socrates. Because I'd rather die by my own hand by drinking hemlock than being hung upside down and slaughtered to go on someone's plate somewhere in the world. Just my thought.

Answer 5

i think you are supposed to use your brain to answer this.how can i take it serious if you do not. why did you take philosophy if you are not willing to think about it and come up with an educated opinion.
yep. pressure's on.
its only hard if you say it is.
um, who said that....
0%
oh by the way i would rather be a pig, Socrates is dead

Answer 6

Well since being Socrates means being one of the greatest minds in history also means doing young guys I'd choose the pig since I'd only have rolling in my own filth and being cooked on a barbecue spit to worry about. peace!

Vin

Answer 7

Yes. Because nobody eats Socrates and eggs.

Answer 8

I suppose it would depend on if Socrates was in the court of a Jewish king or if he was free ranging.

Answer 9

It's better to we a sow's ear than a purse.