The Philosophy of Socrates

An Analysis of Plato's Writing and Socrates' Representation

Jul 7, 2008

One of the most influential thinkers of the fifth century was Socrates-whose risqué methods and dedication to reasoning brought about the dawn of a new age in thinking.

The Representation Of Socrates' Thought In Plato's WorK

Socrates was dedicated to the pursuit of genuine knowledge, the pursuit of truth. This might explain his enthusiasm to call everything into question as well as his fortitude in accepting nothing less than a sufficient account of the nature of things.

Socrates, though well known in his time—for conversational skill and public education—wrote nothing. This means that any detailed knowledge of his theories and methods stemmed directly from the mouth of someone else—namely Plato.

The trouble with this is that Plato himself was also a philosopher and he injected his own ideas into the dialogues that he presented as discussions between Socrates and other famous figures. It is commonly thought that Socrates was accurately represented in the early dialogues of Plato and later was used more of a means of communicating the Plato’s thoughts.

Socrates In "The Apology"

In the Apology, Plato paints a portrait of Socrates being put on trial—charged with the undermining of state religion as well as the corruption of Greek youth. The speech that Socrates gives is a very good representation Socrates’ approach to philosophy as well as his approach to life.

The Apology shows the ironic modesty, questioning habits, devotion to truth and dispassionate reasoning that is commonly associated with the thinking of Socrates—instead of the thinking of Plato which is reflected in the later dialogues.

Socrates begins his speech by explaining his mission as a philosopher and explaining that, “no one is wiser than you” (Plato 451). He then goes on to explain thathe has a wisdom that none of them seem to possess—he is aware of his own ignorance—thus his principle of ironic modesty (Plato 447-453).

He moves to his questioning habits—the goal of Socratic interrogation is to help people as well as fuel people to achieve self-knowledge, even if the results are negative. The speech goes on to reveal Socrates’ devotion to truth—even after the Jury has convicted him he will not abandon his pursuit of knowledge and truth—this is shown in his denial of accepting exile as a punishment.

Socrates maintains that public discussion of major issues is needed for a life to be valuable. “The unexamined life is not worth living” (Plato 456). He would rather die for what he believes in than save his own life.

The final part of the Apology embodies Socrates’ sense of dispassionate reason. He is refined and dignified in speaking his final words after he had been condemned to death. Socrates is offered as a model for the future of philosophy as well as the pursuit of truth. The views and opinions expressed in this dialogue closely resemble Socrates’ thinking and not Plato’s.

Socrates In "Plato's Republic"

Plato’s republic is one of the most fully developed and mature works Plato ever created; in it he discusses the fundamental principle for conduct in human life. Plato uses the character of Socrates as a fictional spokesperson. Using Socrates’ character, Plato contemplates justice and its nature and value as well as the other societal virtues that appear in human life.

Socrates is the narrator of the Republic and the central figure through which all knowledge flows—this is a good idea on the part of Plato because of Socrates’ reputation, as a philosopher will probably warrant attention from the masses. The ideas are presented as being Socrates’ ideas and by the end of the Republic you realize the ideas he has expressed throughout the dialogue were not his Socrates’, but those of Plato being spoken through his mouth.

Socrates Through Plato's Work

So, while Socrates’ ideas start out as his own, they grow and change with time—and with Plato—to help illustrate Plato’s own ideas. He uses the famous character of Socrates to warrant attention as well as give his thinking some merit—thus gaining in his own reputation. The ideas of Plato and Socrates differ greatly, which is one of the reasons you can discern which of the thinkers is being portrayed. You can tell the distinct thinking and methods of Socrates from the just-as-distinct methods and thoughts of Plato.