Pre Socratics Vs Socrates Research Paper

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Socrates is the founding father of what is considered western philosophy. Socrates was the first person that one can identify as asking questions and pursuing answers to those questions. As a result, those questions and answers are now what we consider as one of the main aspects of philosophy. Those before Socrates, or the Pre-Socratics, asked questions and sought answers as well; however, their primary concern was based on mathematics and natural phenomenas. In contrast, Socrates primary focus was on that of the citizens of Athens. He focused on them by asking questions then debating their answers. Some of the questions that Socrates wanted answers to ideas and thoughts of what was goodness, what was morality, could virtue be taught and what was knowledge. These thoughts were totally different from those of the Pre-Socratics. …show more content…

Likewise, the ancient Greeks believe that the same Gods protected their cities from natural disasters such as storms, flood and plagues as well as the invasion from other cities. For this reason, if Socrates were teaching the youth to disrespect the Gods, then there was a great chance that the city of Athens would be at harm by those natural disasters. As a result, Socrates was convicted of these charges of disrespecting the Gods and ultimately sentenced to death. In contrast, he was offered a reprieve however he would have give up doing philosophy, but Socrates refused because he believed that life without philosophy would be meaningless to him and he would rather died than survive yet not have any purpose on

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