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Apology And Phaedo: The Personal Philosophy Of Socrates

1148 Words5 Pages

Connor R. Kremer
Dr. Jane Frazier
ENG-320-01
14 February 2023
The Personal Philosophy of Socrates The philosophical influence of Socrates is almost incomparable to that of any other philosopher. His teachings and those of his students have changed how humans think, theorize, and communicate with others. However, the Ancient Greeks that lived alongside Socrates did not appreciate his contemporary conversations on morality. “Apology” and “Phaedo” entail the two most important moments in Socrates’ life and legacy. Both compositions are substantial accounts of modern Socratic concepts, which have influenced philosophy worldwide. They establish the benevolence of Socrates’ character and the ethics and morals he inspired. Specifically, Socrates’ …show more content…

This composition discusses Socrates’ ideas about the concepts of death, the afterlife, and the immortality of the soul. First, Socrates argues that the soul is separate from the body. This leads to his conclusion that death is only the end of the body, not the soul. Moreover, this explains why Socrates is not particularly fearful of death. He says, “The venture is a glorious one, and he ought to comfort himself…” (Plato 455). The “venture" he speaks of is the transition from life to death. Overall, “Phaedo" allows the reader to understand Socrates’ ideas about the soul, death, and what comes …show more content…

For example, in “Apology,” Socrates asks Socratic questions to defend himself (e.g., asking his interrogators about their logical flaws). One specific case involves his conversation with Meletus, one of his accusers. Socrates poses a long list of questions, starting with, “You think a great deal about the improvement of youth?" (Plato 439). This leads to Meletus' admission that Socrates’ outsmarted him and that he has no proof of his accusations. This process shows that Socrates valued critical thinking in every avenue—even for his enemy. The Socratic Method is still used in trials and interrogations

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