The stories of Socrates and Ivan Ilych disclose two different attitudes towards the .
examined life, as well as two distinct ways of death. Socrates represents the notion that .
the "unexamined life is not worth living", thus, the examined life is worth living because .
it leads to more questions; his death is peaceful and uncertain. Ivan, on the other hand, .
considers the "examined life not worth living". He feels the more one examines life, the .
more pessimistic one becomes; ignorance is bliss. Unlike Socrates, Ivan's death is more.
miserable and full of suffering all the way up until his apology upon which he feels .
redeemed. By observing the stories of both Socrates and Ivan, we will uncover their .
attitude's behind positions taken on the examined life, following their lives up until .
their death.
Socrates believed that the purpose of human life was personal and spiritual .
growth. We are unable to grow toward greater understanding of our true nature unless we .
take time to examine and reflect upon our life. Unfortunately, while Socrates was .
examining his own life, he managed to get himself into a bit of trouble. A .
prophecy by the Oracle at Delphi claimed Socrates was the wisest of all men.; on a .
mission to prove the Oracle wrong, finding a person wiser than he, Socrates began .
questioning men claiming to be wise to expose their false wisdom. The youths of Athens" .
adored him for this, however, the people he was embarrassing became furious; it was .
because of these men Socrates was indicted and placed on trial.
In any case of law, when one is considering truth and justice, one must first look at the validity of the court and of the entity of authority itself. In Socrates case, the situation is no different. One may be said to be guilty or not of any said crime, but the true measure of guilt or innocence is only as valid as the court structure to which it is subject to. In considering whether Socrates is 'guilty or not', we must keep in mind the societal norms and standards of Athens at the time.
