INTRODUCTION TO SOCRATES

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This short video contains the same content as the Introduction to the Philosophy of Socrates contained in Chapter 1 (pp. 15-26) of the Ancient Wisdom text and has been created to provide important background information on the life and teachings of the philosopher Socrates.  It's important that you either watch this video or read the selection in the text prior to attempting to read the units on Plato's Euthyphro, Apology, and Crito, so that you understand Socrates' unique and highly influential approach to philosophy. 
After watching this video, you should be able to answer the following questions about the life and philosophy of Socrates:
  1. Describe Socrates' early life.  What was his original profession?  What kind of family life did he have?
  2. Why was Socrates put on trial by the city of Athens in 399?  What crimes did his accusers charge him with?  What was the conclusion of his trial? 
  3. What is the main source of most of the information that we have about Socrates' life and philosophical method?
  4. What does the term "gadfly" mean?  How does this term apply to Socrates?
  5. What method does Socrates use to arrive at the truth?  What's the starting point of this method?  How this method typically end?
  6. How does Socrates' philosophical method exemplify both the negative and positive functions of his philosophy?
  7. What does it mean when we say that for Socrates to know the good is to do the good?  Why does Socrates believe that doing what is morally good will always lead to happiness?
©  Michael S. Russo, 2013.  All of the content on this webpage is copyright.  The materials on this webpage may not be modified, posted or transmitted without the prior consent of the author.  Permission is granted to print out copies for educational purposes and for personal use only. No permission is granted for commercial use.