Need his influence during his era, not in the long run. Really need help :(
How did Socrates influence Athens?
- Posted:
- 3+ months ago by Anonymous
- Topics:
- school, athens, philosophy
Details:
Responses (1)
If we can agree that the Socratic method at its core means getting people to actually listen to each other and to differing opinions.
To value reasoned, logical oral arguments that look for the truth through probing discourse.To stand up and debate and take a side.
He acted as a gadfly on the Athenian state with regard to considerations of justice, right & wrong.
Athens had been defeated by Sparta & was questioning the value of democracy as an efficient form of Government.
I believe he encouraged people to challenge by dialogue the effectiveness, integrety & wisdom of their leaders, instead of blaming the system. In short Socrates questioned the consensus view held in Greece, that “was might right” exploited & exercised by the rich & powerful (even today!)
This challenge to the states status quo lead to his political trial & execution.
So his influence on Athens (and us) was to found a democratic system based on reason rather than might.
Just my opinion, yours to listen & challenge!
Hope this starts you off.
The magnitude of Socrates influence over Athenian democracy can be demonstrated by the fact they needed him out of the way, and put him on trial for his life.
This backfired, and demonstrated that democracy without an acceptable standard of reason & knowledge in its participants, will force those challenged to make poor & unjust decisions based upon emotion & tradition.
As to effect, his ideas laid the foundations for political theory, many of which were taken up in philosophical schools in Athens after his death, Plato's being the most important to us. Political effect I believe was to weaken Athens, it was not too long before Philip of Macedonia "united" Greece and democracy disappeared until it slowly, tentatively reappeared in the form of the English Parliament, briefly in revolutionary France and substantially in the birth of the USA.
Sorry if this is a bit brief, I'm a bit pushed for time today (day of rest?!), do you have a deadline to meet
This has really enlightened me to develop more ideas on Socrates's influence, thank you! Sorry to trouble you again, but I would like to ask for your opinion on how I should structure an essay based on this. Should I argue that he was more influential due to what he taught? eg. dialectics. Or might there be other factors (specific) that made him influential?
My deadline is not so soon, but will still look forward to your response. Really grateful!
Sorry for not getting back to you sooner, it's been a busy week!
Clearly what he taught was important & holds the greatest influence on those following him. There is more to it thou, its the way he taught & that he practiced what he preatched, eg he talked the talk & walked the walk. He never wrote his teachings down, did'nt charge or form a school, he did not discriminate between rich& poor, man & women, Athenian or foreigner. He held his beliefs under pain of death. All this enhances his credibility incalculable and gave life & strength to his word beyond death for over 2500 years.
Hope that helps!
how did Socratic influent the Greece?
Hi, I really appreciate this intelligent response!
I understand what you are trying to say, and I think it can make a good point. However, can I have your opinion on whether this will make a strong argument on how Socrates was more influential as compared to the Athenian Democracy? On the other hand, if you disagree he was more influential, may I ask for your thoughts on this?
Thanks!