Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following best describes the Sophist belief in relativism?
Which of the following best describes the Sophist belief in relativism?
- Laws should always align with natural human instincts, irrespective of societal values.
- Justice is an inherent quality of the universe, regardless of human perception.
- Objective truths exist but are difficult to discover.
- Truth and morality are dependent on individual perspective. (correct)
How does Protagoras' statement, 'Man is the measure of all things,' reflect his views on justice and law?
How does Protagoras' statement, 'Man is the measure of all things,' reflect his views on justice and law?
- It denotes that justice is an abstract concept, separate from man-made laws.
- It emphasizes the importance of adhering to universal moral standards.
- It implies that each society defines its own laws and values, making justice a human construct. (correct)
- It suggests that laws are divinely ordained and unchangeable.
Which of the following is a tenet associated with Thrasymachus' political philosophy?
Which of the following is a tenet associated with Thrasymachus' political philosophy?
- Justice benefits the powerful, while the weak suffer as a consequence. (correct)
- Justice is a universal ideal that transcends the interests of individuals or groups.
- Laws should be crafted to protect the vulnerable and ensure equality for all.
- Unjust actions inevitably lead to a decrease in overall wealth and power.
How does Antiphon view the relationship between natural instincts and laws?
How does Antiphon view the relationship between natural instincts and laws?
What is a key difference between Socrates and the Sophists in their approach to teaching and philosophy?
What is a key difference between Socrates and the Sophists in their approach to teaching and philosophy?
Which of the following describes the primary goal of the Socratic Method?
Which of the following describes the primary goal of the Socratic Method?
According to Socrates, what is the relationship between virtue and knowledge?
According to Socrates, what is the relationship between virtue and knowledge?
Why was Socrates put on trial in Athens?
Why was Socrates put on trial in Athens?
Despite his conviction and death sentence, Socrates chose to accept his punishment rather than escape. What does this suggest about his beliefs?
Despite his conviction and death sentence, Socrates chose to accept his punishment rather than escape. What does this suggest about his beliefs?
Which modern concept aligns with Socrates' respect for the law, even when he considered it unjust?
Which modern concept aligns with Socrates' respect for the law, even when he considered it unjust?
Flashcards
Who were the Sophists?
Who were the Sophists?
Paid teachers of rhetoric who debated the moral basis of politics and believed truth and morality are relative.
Protagoras' key ideas
Protagoras' key ideas
Truth depends on individual perception, justice is man-made, and politics can be taught.
Thrasymachus' key ideas
Thrasymachus' key ideas
Justice benefits the powerful, might makes right, and unjust people gain more wealth.
Antiphon's view on justice
Antiphon's view on justice
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Cultural Relativism
Cultural Relativism
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Realpolitik
Realpolitik
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Legal Skepticism
Legal Skepticism
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Socrates' belief about truth
Socrates' belief about truth
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Socratic Method (Elenchus)
Socratic Method (Elenchus)
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Key virtues
Key virtues
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Study Notes
- Lesson focuses on contrasting views held by the Sophists and Socrates
The Sophists: Early Political Thinkers
- Sophists were paid teachers of rhetoric, skilled in public speaking and persuasion
- They debated the moral basis of politics and the necessity of justice
- Sophists believed in relativism where truth and morality depend on perspective
- A key question for the Sophists was whether it is better to follow rules or break them for personal gain
Key Sophist Philosophers & Their Ideas
- Several key Sophist philosophers and their ideas existed
- Protagoras, Thrasymachus and Antiphon were key thinkers
Protagoras (Social Relativism & Justice)
- Protagoras focused on the politics of the community
- He believed "Man is the measure of all things," suggesting truth depends on individual perception
- For Protagoras, justice is man-made, and each society defines its own laws and values
- Protagoras thought politics can be taught, meaning people can learn leadership and governance
Thrasymachus (Power Over Justice)
- Thrasymachus was concerned with the politics of the individual
- He believed justice benefits the powerful, while the weak suffer
- Thrasymachus stated that "Might makes right," meaning those in power decide what is "just"
- According to Thrasymachus, unjust people gain more wealth and power than just people
Antiphon (Skepticism About Justice)
- Antiphon studied the problems of justice
- He considered laws artificial and often against natural human instincts
- Antiphon believed justice is only useful when people fear punishment
Modern Connections to Sophist Thought
- Protagoras' view connects to cultural relativism, where different societies have different moral values
- Thrasymachus' view connects to realpolitik, where power and self-interest shape laws
- Antiphon's view connects to legal skepticism, suggesting that laws are made by humans, and are not absolute truths
Socrates: Philosophy & Justice
- Socrates differed from the Sophists, refusing to teach for money
- Socrates believed in objective truth, thinking justice and virtue are universal and not relative
- Socrates never wrote anything, so knowledge of his ideas comes through Plato's writings
The Socratic Method (Elenchus: Open Discussion/Argumentation)
- The Socratic Method involves a question-and-answer technique to challenge assumptions
- It encourages deep thinking and admitting ignorance as the first step to wisdom
- Key virtues in Socratic thought include wisdom, courage, temperance (self-control), and justice
Socratic Paradoxes (Seemingly Strange Ideas)
- Key examples of Socratic paradoxes exist
- Virtue is Knowledge: knowing what is right leads to doing what is right
- No One Does Wrong Willingly: evil comes from ignorance, not choice
- All Virtues Are Connected: courage implies self-control
- Criticism: knowing what is right does not guarantee good actions
The Trial & Death of Socrates
- The political context involved Athens losing the Peloponnesian War and seeking someone to blame
- Socrates was accused of corrupting the youth and disrespecting the gods
- He faced unfair association due to his past students' involvement in anti-democratic rule
- Socrates was found guilty by a vote of 280 to 220 and was sentenced to death
- Rather than escaping, he accepted his punishment, drinking hemlock poison
- Socrates believed in the law, even if it is unjust
Modern Connections to Socrates
- Socrates' respect for law connects to civil disobedience, peacefully accepting punishment to inspire change
- The Socratic Method is used in law and education to develop critical thinking
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