Is Socrates a Myth or a Reality?

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In summary, Socrates was a Greek philosopher who lived in Athens from 470 BC to 399 BC. He is considered a historical figure and one of the founders of Western philosophy. Socrates' unique method of questioning and critical thinking, as well as his emphasis on self-examination and pursuit of knowledge, set him apart from other philosophers. He died by drinking poison hemlock, which reflects the conflict between his teachings and traditional Athenian beliefs, and solidified his legacy as a martyr for philosophical inquiry and free thinking.
  • #1
jduster
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While the Socrates we know is a paragon and martyr, his biography may not be real.

I suspect Plato created a master philosopher for two reasons:

1. To give more weight to himself. Being a student of a heroic certainly boosted his reputation.
2. To give more weight to his ideas. By using Socrates as a mouthpeice.

What do you think of this?
 
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  • #2
I think Aristophanes proves you wrong.
 
  • #3
Xenophon was also a student of Socrates.
 
  • #4
Does anyone read the rules?
 
  • #5
Evo said:
Does anyone read the rules?

A long long time ago.
 

1. Who was Socrates and why is he important?

Socrates was a Greek philosopher who lived in Athens from 470 BC to 399 BC. He is considered one of the founders of Western philosophy and is known for his method of questioning and critical thinking. Socrates' ideas and teachings have had a significant influence on philosophy and education.

2. Is Socrates a historical figure or a myth?

While some aspects of Socrates' life and teachings may have been embellished or exaggerated over time, he is generally accepted as a historical figure. There are multiple historical accounts of his life and death, including writings from his contemporaries Plato and Xenophon.

3. Did Socrates actually exist or is he a fictional character?

There is no concrete evidence to prove or disprove the existence of Socrates. However, his teachings and philosophical ideas were widely documented and discussed by his contemporaries, making it unlikely that he was a completely fictional character.

4. What makes Socrates different from other philosophers?

Socrates' unique approach to philosophy, known as the Socratic Method, involved questioning and dialogue rather than lecturing or presenting theories. He also believed in the importance of self-examination and the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom.

5. How did Socrates die and why is it significant?

Socrates was sentenced to death by drinking poison hemlock after being charged with corrupting the youth and impiety. This event is significant because it reflects the conflict between Socrates' unconventional teachings and the traditional beliefs and values of Athenian society. It also solidified Socrates' legacy as a martyr for philosophical inquiry and free thinking.

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