Socrates: Greek Philosopher

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Socrates Greek Philosopher

• Essential Skill Examine information from more
  than one point of view

2
What is a Philosopher?

• Philo love of
• Sophe wisdom
• Philosopher seeker of wisdom
• Philosophy the pursuit of wisdom the study of
  the underlying principles and causes of reality
• They ponder questions such as
• What is the meaning of life?
• What is truth?
• What is real?
• Are people born good or evil?

3
Greek Philosophers

• List 3 Greek Philosophers and explain some of
  their ideas. Give an example of what you think
  each philosopher might believe
• Socrates code of conduct, learn through
  answering questions and proving ideas through
  reason (Socratic Method)
• Plato justice for all, rejected democracy, rule
  by philosopher kings
• Aristotle sought truth through experience,
  gather evidence and use reason, developed system
  of logic, moral behavior

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Optional Challenge AssignmentDue tomorrow (E.C.
1)

• 1) Read the additional reading on Socrates.
• 2) Write a script (no more than two pages) of
  what Socrates and his accusers would say at his
  trial.
• 3) Make two copies of the script.
• 4) Be ready to perform it tomorrow

5
Write answers to Questions

1. List several accusations against Socrates.
2. List several defenses used by Socrates.
3. List some contrasts between Ancient Greek trials
   and modern U.S. trials.
4. Do you think Socrates actions deserved the death
   penalty? Why or why not?
5. Do you think the outcome would be similar or
   different in the U.S. today? Why?
6. What does Socrates behavior before his execution
   tell us about his moral code of conduct?

6
Accusations against Socrates

• Two tyrants had been students of Socrates.
• Socrates has ridiculed Athens leaders.
• His constant criticisms of government will upset
  the peace.
• He has been repeatedly warned to stop.
• He has denied the Greek gods and introduced new
  gods.
• He is corrupting the youth by teaching them to
  disrespect their elders.

7
Socrates Defenses

• I am not superior to other men. I am only wise,
  because I admit what I do not know.
• I merely challenge my students to see the
  mistakes in their reasoning.
• Most men cannot admit what they do not know. That
  is why they say I am dangerous.
• I have never denied the gods. I worship in the
  temples.
• I am a gift from the gods, because I criticize
  what is wrong.
• I set an example by living simply and searching
  for the truth.
• I will not change my ways.

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Comparisons Contrasts Trials in Ancient
Athens vs. modern U.S. (If time Which do you
like better? Why?)

• Ancient Athens
• Ppl defend themselves
• Majority decides guilt
• Anyone can charge you with a crime
• Trial in one day
• Jury of 101 to 1001 people
• No appeal of verdict
• A D propose sentence

• United States today
• Ppl repd by attorneys
• Must be Unanimous for guilt
• Prosecutor charges you with a crime
• Trial can last weeks
• Jury of twelve people
• You can appeal verdict
• Prosecutor proposes sentence

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Final Discussion

• Do you think Socrates actions deserved the death
  penalty? Why or why not?
• Do you think the outcome would be similar or
  different in the U.S. today? Why?
• What does Socrates behavior before his execution
  tell us about his moral code of conduct?