Though it would be quite simple to read Plato's The Last Days of Socrates and immediately render Socrates" so-called "divine mission" to attain death as a destructive force, a closer assessment of Plato's work reveals that Socrates" life was not lost in vain after all. "Death is one of two things. Either it is annihilation, and the dead have no consciousness of anything; or, as we are told, it is really a change: a migration of the soul from this place to another" (Apology, 82c,65). Although no crime can vindicate a death sentence, Socrates" death embodies the philosopher's final step towards eternal fulfillment. Had he allowed his companions to speak on his behalf and defend him in court as originally planned, the philosopher may have escaped death. But this was not his intention. The philosopher "fought a thousand battles and met, with divine calm his death-in-martyrdom" (Lukacs 59). Socrates embraces death, for he is certain that "his soul (will) gain in death- who knows?-silence his longings" (Lukacs 60). Through his overbearing pride and confidence, corruption of the youth and his philosophical ideas, Socrates frees himself from the shackles that bind him to his corporeal being.
By today's standards, Socrates is perhaps the victim of an overly harsh society but regardless of whether his death is just or not, the philosopher plays a crucial role in his sentence. "Socrates can be accused of convicting himself, likewise the jury can be accused of convicting an innocent man on false charges- (Apology, 35). The philosopher's death is not inevitable, but only by willingly surrendering his life can Socrates uphold the principles he embodies. .
Like Socrates, Antigone has a similar opportunity to evade death. By simply rendering her brother, Polyneices, dead and not caring for his honorable burial, Antigone like Socrates has a choice between life and death. She chooses the latter. "I will bury him myself.
Jessica Antolini September 29, 1999 Phil. 1050 - Plato Paper Prof. ... Plato defines wisdom, in Greek terms "Sophia", as knowledge of the city as a whole. ... Each one of these virtues corresponds with a part of Plato's "soul". ... Plato does not necessarily have anything missing in his four virtues. ... Plato is trying to establish a utopia, but is leaving out some key factors. ...
The key points being pointed out in this paper is why reading Plato from the 4th Century B.C. is still important today and being acknowledged. Comparing and contrasting society today and Plato's lifetime will be discussed. ... Plato described this experience ascoming out of the cave and into the light.? ... Plato's work relates to my own life because I just cameout of the cave? ... In conclusion the piece Plato's Allegory of the caves it resembles a change for individuals in their conquest for knowledge. ...
In this paper I will assess Plato's arguments for why Socrates should remain in prison and accept his death sentence. ... According to Plato, one who does not obey the laws are said to do harm to others. ... Plato was in no way opposed of the laws. ... Plato believes that it is better to die than to live with a ruined soul. ... In conclusion, Plato's arguments are very weak and narrow. ...
Plato and Hobbes have similar philosophies for which one could compare regarding their theories in "The Republic," and "The Leviathan.... In Plato's 'The Republic," each person in society served a function and had a job that suited their personality. ... Plato explains in "The Republic" that the guardian is to be a really good and noble guardian of the state who will unite in himself philosophy, spirit, swiftness and strength (Plato, pg. 9). ... Plato's view of human conditioning is that they are good and want to give what they have no need for. ....
Plato believed that truth is singular in nature. ... Aristotle would agree with Plato that there is one truth. ... Plato's view was somewhat different. ... Plato said that there was some truth in every person. ... My second task to accomplish in this paper is to discuss Aristotle's polity. ...
Plato What comes to mind when you hear the name Plato? ... If you are one of these people who thought Plato was just another weird name printed in the history book, or one of the few interested in knowing about Plato you should keep reading this paper. ... The other two were Plato and Aristotle. ... Plato agreed, but the Dion was hopeless so Plato returned to Athens. ... Plato is a very fascinating man who came up with very intellectual nature of ideas such as his theory of vision which I explained in this paper, and his belief that philosophy should be pursued for the attainment of pure k...
Some accredit Plato with the invention of philosophy, while A. ... This contrasts with Plato's initial postulation of a Demiurge. ... "8 Also Plato cautiously considers the problem of evil in outlining God. ... Plato used this argument as the basis for his doctrine on the Forms. ... This notably strengthened Plato's theory of an independent standard of goodness. ...
The Theory of Forms By Plato Plato was one of the most creative and influential thinkers in Western philosophy, his influence throughout the history of philosophy has been monumental. ... In this essay I will explain, evaluate and analyze Plato's theory of the forms. ... This world according to Plato is more real than the one we live in. ... Plato is saying that our knowledge is cut of from the world of experience. ... This brings me to the major discussion of my paper; I interpret Plato's theory as a process of education, it's a journey to enlightenment. ...
This paper will use Plato's "Allegory of the Cave", to demonstrate the validity of both philosophies on man's reasoning and his ability to gain knowledge. ... " (Plato 143). ... This paper clearly shows that Plato's mistrust of the senses is based on a false world he created and that his conclusions cannot simply be applied to the real world. ... At the same time this paper concludes that Hume's belief in the inability of man's mind to inherently seek truth has little validity. On this, I think Plato would agree....
This paper will examine Plato's theory on education as described in the Allegory of the Cave. This paper will defend the position that education is the turning of the soul in the direction of the Good, allowing people to reason for themselves. ... A prisoner getting released is the start of "turning the soul in the right direction" in Plato's Theory of Education. ... " This is what Plato's Theory of Education is, it's making the student think for himself, make him formulate his own thoughts. ... The sun is "The Good" and using Plato's theory of...
