Socrates: Greek Philosopher Essential Skill: Examine information from more than one point of view

What is a Philosopher? Philo = love of Philo = love of Sophe = wisdom Sophe = wisdom Philosopher = seeker of wisdom Philosopher = seeker of wisdom Philosophy = the pursuit of wisdom; the study of the underlying principles and causes of reality Philosophy = the pursuit of wisdom; the study of the underlying principles and causes of reality They ponder questions such as: They ponder questions such as: –What is the meaning of life? –What is truth? –What is real? –Are people born good or evil?

Greek Philosophers List 3 Greek Philosophers and explain some of their ideas. Give an example of what you think each philosopher might believe: List 3 Greek Philosophers and explain some of their ideas. Give an example of what you think each philosopher might believe: Socrates: code of conduct, learn through answering questions and proving ideas through reason (Socratic Method) Socrates: code of conduct, learn through answering questions and proving ideas through reason (Socratic Method) Plato: justice for all, rejected democracy, rule by philosopher kings Plato: justice for all, rejected democracy, rule by philosopher kings Aristotle: sought truth through experience, gather evidence and use reason, developed system of logic, moral behavior Aristotle: sought truth through experience, gather evidence and use reason, developed system of logic, moral behavior

Optional Challenge Assignment Due tomorrow (E.C. +1) 1) Read the additional reading on Socrates. 1) Read the additional reading on Socrates. 2) Write a script (no more than two pages) of what Socrates and his accusers would say at his trial. 2) Write a script (no more than two pages) of what Socrates and his 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 tomorrow 4) Be ready to perform it tomorrow

Write answers to Questions 1. List several accusations against Socrates. 2. List several defenses used by Socrates. 3. List some contrasts between Ancient Greek trials and modern U.S. trials. 4. Do you think Socrates’ actions deserved the death penalty? Why or why not? 5. Do you think the outcome would be similar or different in the U.S. today? Why? 6. What does Socrates’ behavior before his execution tell us about his moral code of conduct?

Accusations against Socrates Two tyrants had been students of Socrates. Two tyrants had been students of Socrates. Socrates has ridiculed Athens’ leaders. Socrates has ridiculed Athens’ leaders. His constant criticisms of government will upset the peace. His constant criticisms of government will upset the peace. He has been repeatedly warned to stop. He has been repeatedly warned to stop. He has denied the Greek gods and introduced new gods. He has denied the Greek gods and introduced new gods. He is corrupting the youth by teaching them to disrespect their elders. He is corrupting the youth by teaching them to disrespect their elders.

Socrates’ Defenses I am not superior to other men. I am only wise, because I admit what I do not know. I am not superior to other men. I am only wise, because I admit what I do not know. I merely challenge my students to see the mistakes in their reasoning. I merely challenge my students to see the mistakes in their reasoning. Most men cannot admit what they do not know. That is why they say I am dangerous. Most men cannot admit what they do not know. That is why they say I am dangerous. I have never denied the gods. I worship in the temples. I have never denied the gods. I worship in the temples. I am a gift from the gods, because I criticize what is wrong. I am a gift from the gods, because I criticize what is wrong. I set an example by living simply and searching for the truth. I set an example by living simply and searching for the truth. I will not change my ways. I will not change my ways.

Comparisons & Contrasts: Trials in Ancient Athens vs. modern U.S. (If time: Which do you like better? Why?) Ancient Athens: Ancient Athens: Ppl defend themselves Ppl defend themselves Majority decides guilt Majority decides guilt Anyone can charge you with a crime Anyone can charge you with a crime Trial in one day Trial in one day Jury of 101 to 1001 people Jury of 101 to 1001 people No appeal of verdict No appeal of verdict A & D propose sentence A & D propose sentence United States today: United States today: Ppl rep’d by attorneys Ppl rep’d by attorneys Must be Unanimous for guilt Must be Unanimous for guilt Prosecutor charges you with a crime Prosecutor charges you with a crime Trial can last weeks Trial can last weeks Jury of twelve people Jury of twelve people You can appeal verdict You can appeal verdict Prosecutor proposes sentence Prosecutor proposes sentence

Final Discussion 1. Do you think Socrates’ actions deserved the death penalty? Why or why not? 2. Do you think the outcome would be similar or different in the U.S. today? Why? 3. What does Socrates’ behavior before his execution tell us about his moral code of conduct?