Matthew Robson

bThe life and philosophy of Socrates

Socrates is one of the world’s greatest philosophers, and is also one of the
most well known. There are many reasons why Socrates inspires me more
than any other philosopher I have come across. One reason why he
inspires me the most was his philosophy and beliefs. Socrates had
philosophised about many things in his life time, and one of his beliefs
was that happiness came from leading a good life. This too I do believe in.
But Socrates tried to answer two very universal questions: what is good?
and what is bad? He figured that talking to enough people would help him
seek the answer. The more questions he asked, the more he would know.
Knowledge was one thing Socrates was sure was good.
It was also Socrates’ true ability to not be swayed by others that amazed
me. No matter what people thought of him or said to him, he believed
strongly in himself and his thoughts, and did not let society affect his
decisions. This truly is the most valuable skill to have as a philosopher,
and this is another reason why Socrates inspired more than any other
philosopher I have come across.

The only records of Socrates’ life are mainly written pieces by two of his
students, Plato and Xenophon. This is because Socrates did not write any
pieces, for he only expressed thought through dialogue. Plato though is
not a fully trustworthy source, as he tended to put his own theories into
the dialogue between Socrates and other characters in his lifetime.
Socrates, who lived in Athens, was the son of his mother Phaenarete and
father Sophroniscus. He married Xantihippe, who was much younger than
Socrates and described as unattractive.
According to texts, Socrates says he devotes himself to the most
important occupation: discussing philosophy. Socrates is a looked at as a
poor figure, but this is by his choosing, to show that he is not a teacher.
Some texts show that Socrates took after his father in stonemasonry.
Few texts refer to Socrates and his military status. Socrates said he
served in the army during three campaigns: Potidaea, Amphipolis, and
Delium. Socrates’ valor and exceptional service shown in battle is
mentioned, by one of his comrades who Socrates saves, and by a general
in his own written text.
Socrates often clashed with politicians, his outwitting of them and
opinions were not popular and because of this he made many enemies.
Politicians accused him of wrongdoings and Socrates defended himself
until the end, at his trial. Even though Socrates was asked to sentence
himself to a less severe punishment then death, he chose not to, instead
saying that he should be served one free meal a day and have a statue
put up in his honor. This idea was not favored, so Socrates was sentenced
Matthew Robson

to death by the drinking of hemlock. Hemlock is a very poisonous plant,

and the consuming of it was the ultimate punishment for Socrates. Even
though Socrates had already made his decision, many of Socrates’
followers said they would bribe the guards for Socrates’ freedom, but he
believed this act would be pointless. If he did run, then his morals would
also be broken, and who would continue to listen to the thoughts of a
runaway prisoner? This was the end of the life of Socrates.

Socrates mainly philosophised about the topics of virtue, knowledge and

good and bad in life. I use the term ‘mainly’ widely, for in his lifetime
Socrates discussed many different topics, but these are his 3 main
discussions. He didn’t get taught by a teacher, but instead he discussed
with citizens and politicians. Socrates believed that by talking to enough
people, he would find the answers to his questions regarding the acts of
good and bad. The more questions he asked, the more he would know and
knowledge was something he was sure was good. Socrates discussions
were also aimed at understanding virtue. He discussed for many hours,
days, weeks, months and years about what virtue was, it’s profits to ones
soul, how one could ‘attain’ virtue, and so on.
You can just imagine the type of philosopher Socrates was, as virtue,
knowledge and the discussions of good and bad are all so closely related.
His life in Athens must’ve have been one in a trillion of a trillion lives to
live. His discussions and views on life were so unique; all who have heard
or seen his teachings have truly been touched by one of the wisest men
our world has ever seen.

(760 words, not including title or bibliography)

Bibliography
Book, “The Great Philosophers”, Jeremy Stangroom and James Garvey.
.
Book, The Story Of Philosophy, Bryan Magee.
.
Internet, Wickipedia: Socrates, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Socrates.
. .
Internet, Philosophy Pages: Socrates,
http://www.philosophypages.com/ph/socr.htm.
. .

Internet, Philosophy Pages: Socrates: Philosophical Life,

http://www.philosophypages.com/hy/2d.htm.