Socrates Unexamined Life

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During his final speech to the courtroom, Socrates proclaims, “the unexamined life is not worth living” (Plato, line 38a). This quote attracts ample attention from scholars, philosophers, and academics, which are determined to understand what Socrates meant when he spoke these famous words moments before his death. Beyond understanding it’s meaning, people often debate whether or not Socrates’ final words remain valid and applicable to our lives today. This paper will not only discuss the differences between an examined and unexamined life and evaluate what makes a life worth living but it will also provide an interpretation of Socrates’ words. Further, I will present a refutation of his philosophy then followed by a detailing the way my thoughts are in concordance with those of Socrates. I will conclude with a modernized thinking of the examined life.
Socrates lives, what he considers, an examined life—one that involves active intellectual engagement. As readers, we know …show more content…

I think that many people would agree with me that it is possible to live an examined life without constantly searching for morality. There are endless ways for someone to examine their own life. As I mentioned before, I examine my life by participating in activities in which make me happy. I make conscious efforts to work towards, and enhance my happiness on a daily basis. However, I do not believe that it is necessary to examine life to the extent that Socrates did in order to live a worthy life. One does not need to dedicate all of their time, as Socrates had, to conversing with others in attempt to further their knowledge about a certain topic. I believe that all people live their lives, consciously or unconsciously, with some level of examining life. I believe that this is vital to living a life one is happy and content with. Without some examination, people would not be able to experience lives worth

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