4
Final Questions and Activities on the Value of Philosophy to Consider
- What are the specific charges brought against Socrates in Apology, and how does he address each accusation during his defense speech?
- How does Socrates argue that his philosophical pursuits are a service to the city of Athens?
- What is the significance of Socrates’ assertion that “the unexamined life is not worth living”? How does this statement relate to his defense against the charges?
- Reflect on the significance of the Delphic Oracle’s proclamation that Socrates is the wisest man. How does Socrates interpret this statement, and how does it shape his defense and self-perception?
- In Apology, Socrates argues that he cannot stop practicing philosophy even if it means his death. What does this reveal about his beliefs regarding the pursuit of wisdom and the value he places on his principles?
- Examine Socrates’ views on death and his attitude toward his impending execution. How does he justify his acceptance of death in the face of unjust accusations?
- Plato presents Socrates as a gadfly in Apology. What does this metaphor mean, and how does it relate to Socrates’ role as a philosopher and his impact on Athenian society?
- Discuss Socrates’ method of questioning and his aim to uncover ignorance. How does this method contribute to his defense, and what implications does it have for the pursuit of knowledge?
- Reflect on the role of the jury in Apology and the Athenian legal system. How does Socrates criticize the jury’s motives and decision-making process?
- Consider the broader implications of Socrates’ trial and the events depicted in Apology. What does this dialogue reveal about the tensions between philosophy and the established order?
- How is studying philosophy different from studying science?
- What do so-called “practical men” misunderstand about the value of philosophy according to Russell?
- What kind of knowledge does philosophy seek?
- What is philosophic contemplation according to Russell? What does philosophic contemplation hope to achieve?
- What does the pursuit of philosophy do for the mind and soul according to Russell?
This chapter is an adaptation of The Originals: Classic Readings in Western Philosophy (on BC Campus) by Jeff McLaughlin, R. Adam Dastrup, and Maura Hahnenberger and is used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 International license.
- Added a new introduction
- Added closing statement that includes questions for further reflection
- Added biography of Plato
- Added biography of Bertrand Russell