Socrates was arguably the most important figure in ancient Greek philosophy. At the time, there were many different forms of philosophical enquiry that were explored. Many philosophers questioned and made deductions about the state and properties and purpose of the natural world encompassing all physical objects.
The first of these were the naturalists. They were the first true Greek philosophers. The naturalists used logic and reasoning to attempt to answer all questions regarding Nature. They had decided that most phenomena were not acts of the gods as previously believed. They believed that a logical and mathematical reason could be found for everything.
There were the Eleatic philosophers. They looked at truth from a purely mathematical point of view and tried to justify truth using mathematical purity. They also believed in a unity between all forms of matter from which many properties of various objects can be explained. They believed that our perceptions are quite unrealistic due to our senses being deceiving
[...] His opening rebuttal of the ‘accusers' accusations partly demonstrates his employment of the ‘Socratic Method' in an indirect way. This is one of many examples from the Socratic Dialogues. Socrates played a large part in defining many aspects of philosophy. He also had a large affect on the Athenian community. We see that philosophers from Ancient Greece are lumped into three groups, the pre- Socratic, Socratic and Post-Socratic. This shows that educators regard Socrates' influence as a landmark in the history of Philosophy. [...]
[...] Well, as I was saying, they have hardly uttered a word, or not more than a word, of truth; but you shall hear from me the whole truth: not, however, delivered after their manner, in a set oration duly ornamented with words and phrases. No indeed! but I shall use the words and arguments which occur to me at the moment; for I am certain that this is right, and that at my time of life I ought not to be appearing before you, O men of Athens, in the character of a juvenile orator - let no one expect this of me . [...]
[...] What was Socrates' Methodology? Socrates had a very unique way of approaching his questions. He introduced an interesting method involving discussion, deduction, reasoning and contradiction. He used Athenian society to help him gain understanding of many concepts. This was often to the disadvantage of the citizens as they were often made to look quite foolish. This resulted in many citizens developing distaste for Socrates. However, his conscience would not allow him to cease his intrusive questioning as he believed that he must awaken the general population to these issues of high complexity. [...]
[...] They played a major part in creating a demand for education in the Greek population. The Sophists used rhetoric (persuasion) to influence and manipulate others opinions. They tutored many in this art of persuasion for a relatively high fee. They also used these persuasive powers in the courts and were employed to debate unjust law suits. They had a wide effect on many of the Greeks. Elements of persuasive text can even be found in the writings of Homer. Socrates made it clear that he was not a Sophist. [...]
[...] He who knows what is right will do right.'[2] This is an important concept that Socrates was trying to prove by leading example. He enforced the point that happiness can not be obtained by acting against our own better judgement. To obtain happiness one must always do what is morally right. He often criticized mankind in general for not being able to achieve this goal. Socrates was on a never ending search for a true definition of right and wrong. [...]
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