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The Origin of Philosophy & Socrates: Study Q’s
1. what is literal meaning of word ‘philosophy’? what is def. of ‘philosophy’? be able to identify main branches or problem areas of philosophy.
2. what sources do we rely upon to tell us about Socrates’s life & views?
3. who were "pre-Socratics"? "Sophists"? what did Socrates think about approach of
either group?
4. To understand Socrates’s mission & impact of that mission, one must be aware of political background of his time. what major policies & events are relevant here?
5. whom did Athenians regard as authorities on values & rules for good living?
6. was Ancient Greek religion very helpful in enabling Athenians emerge from their crisis of values after Great War w/ Sparta?
7. what led Socrates to become philosopher? how long did he go about pursuing his vocation? what did he mean by describing himself as "midwife"?
8. Socrates thought that process of doing philosopher could be painful. why? in what way was he a "gadfly" (stinging fly)?
9. what were some major reasons for Socrates’s gaining bad reputation among many Athenians over yrs.?
10. who actually insigated trial of Socrates? why was Socrates thought by many Athenians to be unpatriotic? was he?
11. be able to discuss major pts. made by Socrates in his own defense.
12. discuss Socrates’s reasons for preferring death to exile from Athens or silence in Athens. what does Socrates expect death to be like?
13. Socrates was declared guilty, but was he proven guilty? how can one explain large majority who voted for his execution?
14. who were 2 great Ancient Greek philosophers who succeeded Socrates?
15. what famous conqueror was greatly influenced by ideas of Socrates (even if he didn’t quite live up to them)?
16. was Athens helped or harmed by Socrates’s execution? explain.
17. why is logic necessary for "lover of wisdom"? which philosopher first wrote down basic principles of logic?