The good life is one in which an individual is immensely wealthy with not a want or need in the world. Right? Not according to British philosopher Bertand Russell! According to him, "the good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge." Russell defines it in a unique and intelligent way. The definition almost sounds like something Socrates would say. However, I do not feel that Socrates would agree with Russell's definition of "the good life" in its entirety.
Socrates is a strong minded individual who lives his life based on moral intelligence and knowledge. He would not feel that "the good life" is one inspired by love. Love is an emotional state and is based on having great feelings for something or someone. Socrates feels that one cannot live life by emotions alone. It is with knowledge that one will be lead in the right direction. Socrates displays this is in various ways within the writings of Plato.
In The Apology Socrates presents his ideas of "the good life" through out his defense towards his conduct. While speaking to Meletus, Socrates states "A man who is good for anything should not calculate the chance of living or dying. He should only consider whether in doing anything he is doing right or wrong and acting the part of a good man or a bad one." (pg. 41) Socrates believes that one should act on moral knowledge alone. By not "calculating living or dying," you are taking away the emotional side of ones thoughts. Rather than be selfish and care about your own well being, Socrates is saying that one should simply follow the rules or not follow them at all. This alone will define you as a human being in the present rather than worrying about your future unavoidable death. Socrates understood where Crito was coming from, but his beliefs were much stronger than those presented to him. .
Another example of Socrates feelings of "the good life" occurs in Plato's Crito.
Throughout his endeavors Socrates found his virtue. ... "But Socrates, what is your occupation? ... Yet Socrates says he is not. ... In this respect, Socrates was wiser than any man. ... This is why Socrates did not cease his philosophy. ...
I will demonstrate this first through Meletus' charge that Socrates does not believe in the gods (Apol. 26c9-10). ... In regards to the charge that Socrates corrupts the youth (Apol. 24b8-9), Socrates gave a seemingly strong defense, but, under further inspection, his main counterargument lacks some crucial logic. ... This logic is faulty, because when Socrates teaches his ideas, one either can choose to ignore what he says, and not become corrupted, or agree with Socrates' teachings. In the case that someone does believe his ideas, Socrates suggested that we wait for someone to...
In terms of political wisdom as an ideology Socrates easily explains it with the roles of the guardians in his city. ... Moderation, Socrates thought had to do with everyone having only what they needed to survive. ... This was an ideology that Socrates really believed in, moderation and the collective sharing of goods and services. In Book IV we see Socrates talking about justice and the just individual. ... Bing a just individual according to Socrates is finding a balance on these three things....
Socrates is never trying to win at the trial. ... However, we can feel the humbleness of Socrates. ... However, Socrates finds this is not the truth. ... What Socrates means is he believes Meletus doesn't really care about if Socrates corrupts youth or is impious. ... Socrates insults Meletus and the powerful people like him, so they wish to get ride of Socrates through this trial so that Socrates won't damage their benefit. ...
Socrates asked Meletos if he thinks it is important for the younger generation to be good as possible. ... (25B)" which means that of all the Athenians, Socrates is the only person guilty of corrupting the youth. ... Secondly, Socrates was accused by Meletos for not believing in the gods. Meletos said to Socrates and the gentle of the jury that he believes in no gods at all. ... But Meletos came to Socrates and claimed that Socrates believes in the spirituality and teaches others to believe in this spiritual matter. ...
Socrates is known to be one of the greatest philosophers of all time. ... Socrates was born in 469 BC in Athens. ... Socrates lost the case and was convicted him by a vote of 280 to 221. ... I believe that Socrates is one of the greatest philosophers I have read about. ... To me Socrates emphasized on true knowledge and wisdom. ...
Socrates clearly didn't wish to die. ... Socrates predicted that he would be sentenced to death, and he accepted it, rather than sacrifice his integrity. ... From the outset, Socrates defended himself against his prosecutors. ... Socrates' acceptance of death is not the same as a desire for death. ... It's clear in "The Apology" that Socrates does not wish to die. ...
Using reason, Socrates could infer truths and undermine any statement. ... His Life Socrates was born in 470 B.C., in Athens, Greece. ... Socrates was an only child, who desired attention throughout his life. ... "And Xanthippe," said Socrates, "is the mother of my children. ... Socrates had an interesting perspective on his unmanageable wife. ...
Socrates in his defence explains to the people of Athens his views and their origins. ... It is a fact that Socrates wanted nothing but to speak the truth and be judged justly. ... This is perfectly highlighted by Socrates follow up statement after Meletus points out Socrates worships demigods. ... Socrates lived his life primarily to attain truth and good moral judgement. ... Socrates was also a poor man as he never charged anyone for his teachings. ...
From Socrates's point of view, he believes that death is like sleep. ... Ironically, Socrates makes a conflict point when he compares dreamless sleep to death. ... Socrates's idea of unrighteousness is clear and sound. ... What makes Socrates so brave is his belief in being a good person. ... Realistically, not everyone has the strong belief like Socrates does. ...
