Socrates: Greek Socrates: Greek PhilosopherPhilosopher

Essential Skill: Examine Essential Skill: Examine information from more than information from more than

one point of viewone point of view

What is a Philosopher?What is a Philosopher?

Philo = love ofPhilo = love of Sophe = wisdomSophe = wisdom Philosopher = seeker of wisdomPhilosopher = seeker of wisdom Philosophy = the pursuit of wisdom; the study of Philosophy = the pursuit of wisdom; the study of

the underlying principles and causes of realitythe underlying principles and causes of reality They ponder questions such as:They ponder questions such as:

– What is the meaning of life?What is the meaning of life?– What is truth? What is truth? – What is real?What is real?– Are people born good or evil?Are people born good or evil?

Greek PhilosophersGreek Philosophers

List 3 Greek Philosophers and explain List 3 Greek Philosophers and explain some of their ideas. Give an some of their ideas. Give an example of what you think each example of what you think each philosopher might believe:philosopher might believe:

SocratesSocrates: code of : code of conductconduct, learn through answering , learn through answering questionsquestions and proving ideas through and proving ideas through reasonreason (Socratic Method)(Socratic Method)

PlatoPlato: : justice for alljustice for all, rejected democracy, rule by , rejected democracy, rule by philosopher kingsphilosopher kings

AristotleAristotle: sought truth through : sought truth through experienceexperience, gather , gather evidenceevidence and use and use reasonreason, developed , developed system of logicsystem of logic, , moral behaviormoral behavior

OptionalOptional Challenge Challenge AssignmentAssignment

Due tomorrow (E.C. +1)Due tomorrow (E.C. +1) 1) Read the additional reading on 1) Read the additional reading on

Socrates.Socrates. 2) Write a script (no more than two 2) Write a script (no more than two

pages) of what Socrates and his pages) of what Socrates and his accusers would say at his trial.accusers would say at his trial.

3) Make two copies of the script.3) Make two copies of the script. 4) Be ready to perform it 4) Be ready to perform it tomorrowtomorrow

Write answers to QuestionsWrite answers to Questions

1.1. List several accusations against Socrates.List several accusations against Socrates.2.2. List several defenses used by Socrates.List several defenses used by Socrates.3.3. List some contrasts between Ancient List some contrasts between Ancient

Greek trials and modern U.S. trials.Greek trials and modern U.S. trials.4.4. Do you think Socrates’ actions deserved Do you think Socrates’ actions deserved

the death penalty? Why or why not?the death penalty? Why or why not?5.5. Do you think the outcome would be Do you think the outcome would be

similar or different in the U.S. today? similar or different in the U.S. today? Why?Why?

6.6. What does Socrates’ behavior before his What does Socrates’ behavior before his execution tell us about his moral code of execution tell us about his moral code of conduct?conduct?

Accusations against Socrates Accusations against Socrates

Two tyrants had been students of Two tyrants had been students of Socrates.Socrates.

Socrates has ridiculed Athens’ leaders.Socrates has ridiculed Athens’ leaders. His constant criticisms of government will His constant criticisms of government will

upset the peace.upset the peace. He has been repeatedly warned to stop.He has been repeatedly warned to stop. He has denied the Greek gods and He has denied the Greek gods and

introduced new gods.introduced new gods. He is corrupting the youth by teaching He is corrupting the youth by teaching

them to disrespect their elders.them to disrespect their elders.

Socrates’ Defenses Socrates’ Defenses

I am not superior to other men. I am only I am not superior to other men. I am only wise, because I admit what I do not know.wise, because I admit what I do not know.

I merely challenge my students to see the I merely challenge my students to see the mistakes in their reasoning. mistakes in their reasoning.

Most men cannot admit what they do not Most men cannot admit what they do not know. That is why they say I am dangerous.know. That is why they say I am dangerous.

I have never denied the gods. I worship in I have never denied the gods. I worship in the temples.the temples.

I am a gift from the gods, because I criticize I am a gift from the gods, because I criticize what is wrong. what is wrong.

I set an example by living simply and I set an example by living simply and searching for the truth.searching for the truth.

I will not change my ways.I will not change my ways.

Comparisons & Contrasts: Trials Comparisons & Contrasts: Trials in Ancient Athens vs. modern U.S. in Ancient Athens vs. modern U.S.

(If time: Which do you like better? Why?)(If time: Which do you like better? Why?)

Ancient Athens:Ancient Athens: Ppl defend themselvesPpl defend themselves Majority decides guiltMajority decides guilt Anyone can charge you Anyone can charge you

with a crimewith a crime Trial in one dayTrial in one day Jury of 101 to 1001 Jury of 101 to 1001

peoplepeople No appeal of verdictNo appeal of verdict A & D propose sentenceA & D propose sentence

United States today:United States today: Ppl rep’d by attorneysPpl rep’d by attorneys Must be Unanimous for Must be Unanimous for

guiltguilt Prosecutor charges you Prosecutor charges you

with a crimewith a crime Trial can last weeksTrial can last weeks Jury of twelve peopleJury of twelve people You can appeal verdictYou can appeal verdict Prosecutor proposes Prosecutor proposes

sentencesentence

Final DiscussionFinal Discussion

1.1. Do you think Socrates’ actions Do you think Socrates’ actions deserved the death penalty? Why or deserved the death penalty? Why or why not?why not?

2.2. Do you think the outcome would be Do you think the outcome would be similar or different in the U.S. today? similar or different in the U.S. today? Why? Why?

3.3. What does Socrates’ behavior before What does Socrates’ behavior before his execution tell us about his moral his execution tell us about his moral code of conduct?code of conduct?