Socrates Legacy essays

Socrates Legacy essays From his work documented in the Apology, the Meno, and the Euthyphro, Socrates seems to have practiced philosophy solely for the pursuit of truth. Through conversations with some of Athenss most respected men, he was able to prove his theories, which in turn disproved common beliefs of his time. By analyzing and understanding Socrates beliefs and conversations, we gain a better understanding of how reasoning can be used to acquire truth. The Apology is Socrates unsuccessful attempt to convince the Athenian jury he is innocent of the charges held against him. He describes the true intent of his philosophical study, which is for the pursuit of truth, is not to corrupt the youth or disobey the Gods. In the Meno the question of whether or not virtue can be taught is presented to Socrates. In this conversation he has with Meno, Socrates first questions what the definition of virtue is. When Meno provides an answer, Socrates then proves to him that the answer is questionable and different people can define virtue differently. By questioning virtue he shows that to answer a question we must first understand it fully. The goal of his philosophical practice is evident here because Socrates wanted people to acquire knowledge by consistently questioning facts. He wanted people to question what they held as absolute certainty and that is what he tried to do with Meno in their conversation. In Euthyphro, Socrates converses with a young man who speaks confidently and all-knowingly. Euthyphro is certain he understands what piety is until Socrates asks him to define it. Once again, Socrates' desire of having people to question what they hold to be true is evident in this conversation. Euthyphros answers are scrutinized and proven weak by Socrates and the young man is left to acknowledge that what he first held as knowledge (piety) is in fact, opinion...