the consolation of philosophy sparknotes

Socrates pursued philosophy because he wanted to improve the lives of others. The majority of the people will decide what the state should do through a voting process. With strong counter arguments, you can prevent yourself being blown about in the wind.Īnyone with a curious and well-ordered mind who seeks to evaluate a common-sense belief can start a conversation with a friend in a city street and, by following a Socratic method, may arrive at one or two ground-breaking ideas in under half an hour. The world is more flexible than you think it is. Self-reflection on life’s goals are the key. People, even in important positions, may be wrong. To Socrates, the issue of justice or piety must be added to the accumulation of money. Meno felt that money and virtue was linked. Socrates proposed that courage was not limited to warfare and one had to distinguish between good and evil. They believed that to express courage, one had to join an army and fight. One day, Socrates came upon Nicias and Laches, both war generals. Common sense must be questioned and warrants enquiry. Many people associate what is popular with being right. He often asked commoners why they held certain common-sense beliefs. Socrates didn’t care about material wealth and taught philosophy for free. Most people do not question social conventions as they have practised by generations before us. Women had to listen to their husbands and could not led a public life. The Greeks used to slaughter animals for worship and slavery was common.

Some societies even tell you what you can or cannot wear. Some of them are in ethical and practical judgments and ‘common sense’. Laws are a form of ‘telling people how to behave’. There were a group of Greeks who were all very keen on the idea of philosophy. Philosophy gave Socrates the rational mind to fight off disapproval.

Socrates was treated like a transcendent being. Many of the older paintings depicted such a scene, where people mourned over his death. However, in court, he stuck to his beliefs and would not waver at all.

In addition, he failed to worship the Gods. Socrates was sentenced to death for introducing religious novelties and corrupting the people of Athens.

The consolation of philosophy sparknotes