The tag has no wiki summary.

learn more… | top users | synonyms

1
vote
1answer
50 views

Why are the hellenic philosophers before Platos time referred to as pre-socratic?

It seems plausible to me that they could equally have been called pre-Plato. Whats the significance of Socrates? Did he instill an ethical turn in Hellenic philosophy (or be seen to do so)?
0
votes
1answer
114 views

Summary of Callicles and Thrasymachus's arguments regarding injustice

I find somewhat odd to find out that there does not seem to exist concise summary or review of Callicles and Thrasymachus's arguments for supporting injustice, so I ask this question: what would be ...
10
votes
1answer
264 views

Why was Socratic epistemology diminished?

My question is a follow-up from reading this answer; "Roughly speaking, Socrates believed truth could not be discovered with certainty, Plato believed that truth could only be known via ...
12
votes
2answers
834 views

Was Socrates a fictional character invented by Plato?

I have read a lot of websites that suggest Socrates was a fictional character created by Plato (albeit without the citation of any corroborating evidence), but I have also read the opposite (and by ...
3
votes
2answers
167 views

'Daemons' vis-a-vis transcendental personification of self-will

Greek mythology, classical philosophy and early theology is teeming with things referred to as 'daemons'. Many, such as those of Plato's Socrates, hint at an externalised transcendental corollary of ...
3
votes
2answers
177 views

Which of Plato's Dialogues should I read to learn about Socrates' views on science and epistemology?

Which of Plato's Dialogues should I read to learn about Socrates' views relevant to the philosophy science and epistemology? I'm quite a beginner in these things and the titles of the Dialogues are ...
3
votes
1answer
130 views

Does the Euthyphro dilemma apply to secular ethics?

The original statement of the dilemma is found in Plato's Euthyphro: Just consider this question:—Is that which is holy loved by the gods because it is holy, or is it holy because it is ...
8
votes
4answers
371 views

What makes a good question?

Most philosophy begins with a question. I'm wondering why certain questions provoke more profound thoughts than others. What characteristics do good questions share with each other? How can we go ...
8
votes
4answers
1k views

What were the government ideals for the Socrates and Aristotle?

Winston Churchill famously quipped, "The best argument against democracy is a five minute conversation with the average voter." Plato also seems to have held such a view, where he wrote in The ...
7
votes
4answers
909 views

Is there a correct or better order to read Aristotle, Plato, and Socrates?

I would like to read the text written by Aristotle, Plato, Socrates and so on. Is there any reference of the best order to read them? Is the chronological order the best or correct one? Or is there a ...
6
votes
0answers
409 views

Plato's Socrates contradicts himself…or does he? [closed]

In his Apology Plato's Socrates clearly indicates he would continue to philosophize even if the court ordered him not to--clearly he does not believe one must obey the laws of the state. In his ...
10
votes
3answers
298 views

Are all philosophers subject to a variation of the Socrates problem?

Obviously, the specific problem of knowing who Socrates was and what he taught is wholly unique to the man. However, reading books and articles about philosophers and philosophy, I'm struck by the ...
15
votes
5answers
451 views

Are the unexamined lives of others worth examining?

Socrates continually admonished his interlocutors to become more introspective, arguing passionately for self-examination: The unexamined life is not worth living. But an examined life is ...