Abstract
In this article the writer discusses that Socrates accomplishes much of his rational argument based on establishing that forms or ideal structures only result in knowledge and he argues that sophists make of knowledge nothing but a commodity. The writer points out that Socrates' ultimate demise is well-known through the reproduction of his argument by his star pupil, Plato and it is to Plato that most Socratic researchers must rely on to gain a better understanding of Socrates because he never wrote anything at all. The writer notes that it is Socrates' use of forms as a paradigm for epistemological study which has freed philosophical pursuits from simple contemplation of knowledge and moved it to the application of insight and wisdom. The writer maintains that for Socrates, the world of forms was useful as a rational construct upon which to make his philosophical points; that is, knowledge to Socrates was only the starting point for philosophical debate whereas for others such as the sophists, knowledge and the pursuit of it were the ultimate goal or pursuit.

From the Paper
"However, the force of Socrates' renunciation of sophist thought and doctrine comes through so clearly in Plato's work that it is clear that Plato relied on Socratic opinion almost exclusively for the foundation of his most renowned works such as the Republic which contains a series of Plato's works. Therefore, were this last the case then Plato would be known almost exclusively as the father of philosophy rather than Socrates and Socrates would be a mere footnote. Yet, the marvel of Socrates' fame and his foundational position in the philosophical body of knowledge is that through him philosophy was given a greater conception of itself as separate from pure knowledge which Socrates demonstrated was relatively invaluable without the more important qualities of moral justice, wisdom, and restraint.."

Tags:sophists, insight, wisdom, Plato

Abstract
The paper discusses Plato's epistemological argument that learning is essentially recollection. The paper explains that this is based upon his contention that the only true bits of information that exist are those that can stand on their own as unequivocally correct. The paper explains how Plato believes that it is difficult for us, as human beings, to fully grasp the objective truth behind our subjective experiences, because the reality we perceive is only a faint reflection of objective reality-the truth of Forms. The paper further explains that Plato believes that rigorous philosophical reasoning can bring us to the conclusion that a universal reality exists, and that human beings are morally bound to seek out its truths for the ultimate goodness of all society.

From the Paper
"A number of times within his philosophy, Plato presents his epistemological argument that learning is essentially recollection. His case is dependent upon his contention that the only true bits of information that exist are those that can stand on their own as unequivocally correct. Plato believes that it is difficult for us, as human beings, to fully grasp the objective truth behind our subjective experiences, because the reality we perceive is only a faint reflection of objective reality--the truth of Forms. However, rigorous philosophical reasoning, Plato believes, can bring us to the conclusion that a universal..."

Tags:plato, learning, forms

Abstract
This paper examines Plato's theory of knowledge, stemming from his theory of the forms. It looks at how the bulk of his theory lay in three major dialogues: "The Meno," "The Theatetus," and "The Sophist". It shows how, collectively, they represent Plato's early, middle, and later portions of his life's work, respectively, and completely encompass the broad scope of his theory.

From the Paper
"The Meno is where Plato begins to define his theory of the forms. This task is handled through a dialogue between Plato's teacher Socrates, and Meno, a Greek official. Socrates tells Meno that he has never met a man who could define virtue, and was wondering if Meno could undertake the task (it is noteworthy that Plato's choice in characters is not arbitrary. Meno was known for his tyranny, which adds irony to the work). Meno haughtily complies, and lists a variety of ways in which different types of people act virtuously. This however, is precisely the problem Socrates runs into when discussing the matter with people- they give examples of virtue, but fail to provide a holistic definition of what virtue is."

Tags:socrates, forms, greek

Abstract
"Socrates' most outstanding characteristic was that he believed he was wise only to the extent that that he knew nothing. In his use of critical reasoning, by his unwavering commitment to truth, and through the vivid example of his own life, fifth-century Athenian Socrates set the standard for all subsequent Western philosophy (Kemerling 1). The life of Socrates is synonymous with the search for justice and truth. Socrates insists that to live justly is the highest good, even when (indeed, especially when) it is inexpedient or in conflict with our perceived advantage (Taylor 22)."

From the Paper
Reason: Not enough to work with, Plato is not mentioned in the abstract.
Socrates' most outstanding characteristic was that he believed he was wise only to the extent that that he knew nothing. "In his use of critical reasoning, by his unwavering commitment to truth, and through the vivid example of his own life, fifth-century Athenian Socrates set the standard for all subsequent Western philosophy" (Kemerling 1). The life of Socrates is synonymous with the search for justice and truth. "Socrates insists that to live justly is the highest good, even when (indeed, especially when) it is inexpedient or in conflict with our perceived advantage" (Taylor 22).

Tags:socrates, model, usefulness

Abstract
The paper looks at whether or not Socrates' particular brand of philosophy was subversive; in other words, was it a threat to the state? The paper discusses how for the most part, the things that Socrates seeks - truth, a just society, progressive and wise leadership, the putting of individuals into positions wherein they can best serve the collective interest - are hardly things one would associate with subversion, at least not in the destructive sense of the word. However, the paper notes that Socrates does counsel against young men believing in the Gods of the state and, more importantly, he does argue for a benevolent dictatorship in which a wise king (as opposed to the boule or ecclesia)would make the critical decisions for Athens. The paper concludes that Socrates seems genuinely interested in producing a better state - which would seem to be in the interests of all Athenians - but he is asking his fellow-citizens to reconsider the foundations upon which their society rests.

From the Paper
"The following paper will look at whether or not Socrates' particular brand of philosophy was subversive; in other words, was it a threat to the state? For the most part, the things that Socrates seeks - truth, a just society, progressive and wise leadership, the putting of individuals into positions wherein they can best serve the collective interest - are hardly things one would associate with subversion, at least not in the destructive sense of the word. However, Socrates does counsel against young men believing in the Gods of the state and, more importantly, he..."

Tags:socrates, philosophy, subversive

Abstract
Socrates' views are analyzed by studying a conversation between Socrates, Cephalus, his son Polemarchus and his followers. The author explains how Socrates enters into a philosophical dialogue with several different individuals who attempt to set down a firm definition of justice. Socrates then sets out to test and challenge their definitions through his method of questioning and counter-examples in an attempt to arrive at a more secure definition of justice, that which cannot be refuted.

From the Paper
"Cephalus first raises the idea of justice with Socrates and then passes the debate on to his son, Polemarchus, to carry forward. In line with his father's arguments, Polemarchus develops the most basic definition of justice suggested in the Republic. He makes the claim that justice means simply to speak the truth and to give people their proper due; for example, old debts should be repaid. Justice also means treating people in accordance with their essential character. For example, Polemarchus concludes that if a certain individual is considered an enemy, that individual should meet with "something harmful" (26); if another individual is considered a friend, that individual should be treated well."

Tags:philosophy, justice, socrates, plato, laws, conformity, punishment

Abstract
In this paper, this exegesis argues and logically validates the innocence of Socrates for unwillingly corrupting the Athenian youth. The illogical and unethical legal proceedings against Socrates do not explain accurately how Socrates has willingly corrupted the youth, since Meletus cannot educate him on his wrong doings. This validates Socrates argument on the greater good toward others, and how one must be consciously aware of dangerous and harmful acts against society to be brought to the criminal courts.

From the Paper
"This exegesis of 'The Apology' by Plato will examine the logical argument by Socrates against Meletus's charge of against the philosopher of corrupting the Athenian youth. In this manner, the objective analysis of the exegesis will examine why Socrates does not willingly corrupt the youth, and that Meletus's charge presupposes illegal application of the law before Socrates can be educated for ignorance in wrongdoings. The basis of the first lines of this section of the Apology directly relate to the supposition that Socrates does not willingly harm the youth of Athens in his philosophical teachings to them. "

Tags:plato, socrates, apology

Abstract
The dialogue by Plato titled "The Apology", is more or less the trial of Socrates by the democratic office of Athens. As is generally known, Socrates is condemned to death. Although he presents a good defence for himself, the dialogue nevertheless results in the establishment of his guilt. In the dialogue in question, Socrates is charged with two major violations against the City-State or Athens. The charges which were made, were that he was 'teaching what was above and below the earth' (challenging the religion of the state), and that he was 'corrupting the youth'. It will be argued that although he was innocent of challenging the existence of the 'gods', it will also be argued that he can be understood as guilty with respect to corrupting the youth. His guilt will be presented in terms of the challenges which he makes to the ideas surrounding democracy.

Tags:socrates', defence

Abstract
This paper examines the 399 B.C. trial of Socrates and the charges brought against him and then discusses whether Socrates was responsible for his own death. As part of the discussion, the paper considers Socrates' willingness to suffer death for the sake of truth.

From the Paper
"Socrates was brought to trial in Athens on charges of impious service of divinities different from the gods of the state and scandalous corruption of the youth of Athens. The prosecution demanded the death penalty and in spite of a lack of evidence he was condemned to death by a majority of the judges. In "Apology", Plato writes with the voice of Socrates who declined an offer to escape because of his belief that such..."

Tags:Socrates, Plato, philosophy

Abstract
This paper explores Plato's Philebus as it deals with the metaphysical problem of the one and the many. By dividing knowledge into four kinds: that which has limit, the unlimited, mixed (limited and unlimited), and the cause. Plato is able explain how the forms (especially the good) can be completely one, while the objects in the physical world are many. The four kinds are explained in detail, with many examples. Some comparisons are drawn to Aristotle's theory of knowledge, as well. Brief comments are made on Plato's theory of knowledge and its relation to his belief that the life of philosophy, i.e., wisdom, is the true life.

From the Paper
"In the Philebus, Plato tackles one of the greatest metaphysical problems in his view of the universe. The world of the forms, of which the good is the guiding and ordering principle, must be absolutely one. If the forms correspond to reality, they must partake of one unity indivisible, eternal, unique, unchanging, at rest, always the same, and existing essentially. However, man exists in time, so he must be subject to change. He exists as an individual in a world of infinite particulars. The plurality of the material world, in contrast to the unity of the forms, is associated with becoming, time, process, change, motion, differentiation, and relativity. For Plato, the conflict is how to assess the relationship between the universal and the particular. Unlike in Aristotle's view, Plato does not accept that an understanding of the universal can be grasped through a simple analysis of the particulars. Knowledge begins in sense perception, but does not end there. Plato's answer is a division of the universal "one" into kinds. The particulars are unlimited, so he must demonstrate that the forms are one (so that they can exist), yet not so one that they do not allow the particulars to be divided into kinds. The one must be a whole, but a whole whose wholeness is greater than the sum of its parts. To "divide" the one into the proper parts, one cannot move too quickly from the universal to the particulars."

Tags:ancient, aristotle, classical, classics, dialogue, epistemology, greece, greek, metaphysics, philebus, philosopher, protarchus, socrates, sophist, sophistry