How in the world does Socrates understand the Delphic oracle about himself (Apology 21a) to justify his philosophical practice, by which he makes himself unpopular with basically everyone, as a divinely ordained mission?
If you can, please answer this question in detail and include examples!
Thanks!
2007-04-14 12:51:53 · 2 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
Hello dear!
Well, Socrates was teaching for free.
But only the sons of rich could spend time in the agora.
Thus, he was teaching the rich youth of Athens.
His teaching was for superior people.
THe parents wanted their sons to contribute in extending family's power and wealth.
But, the ones taught by Socrates found the Truth, that happiness and worth is more into improving themselves than extending their wealth.
Thus, "all" (meaning the rich - who were heard most) were against him, while the Oracle's responce was heard by most!
2007-04-15 11:09:26 · answer #1 · answered by soubassakis 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Emerson perhaps said it best, to be great is to be misunderstood. If you need to be hated and mistrusted to be great, are you still willing to be great? As a philosophical principle Socrates was ...
A good side question, if you are misunderstood, does that mean you are great? (I think not)
2007-04-14 19:56:57 · answer #2 · answered by John B 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋