Rhetoricians, and most notably the Sophists, were believers in nomos. Philosophers, for example Plato, were believers in Physis. Nomos is loosely translated as LAW; while PHYSIS is loosely translated as nature. Those who believed in NOMOS argued that reality, and therefore human understanding of that reality, was a product of human action. In other words, what we thought of as real and true were basically the products of our own thoughts and actions--our communication. Believers in NOMOS argued that there must be human involvement in the world in order for reality to exist, that there were no such things as eternal human laws or eternal human truths--these were both the product of human action. For example, believers in Nomos didn't believe that there were ideal or absolute certainties. There is no such thing as one truth, one justice, and one standard of beauty. Instead, all of these concepts were open to debate and discussion. Justice, for example, may mean one thing to one group of people, while it may mean something entirely different to another group of people.
Believers in PHYSIS argued that there was an external reality, that there were universal truths and universal laws that human involvement was not necessary for reality to exist. Believers in PHYSIS said that there was one truth, one definition of what it means to be just or beautiful, and that these one truth and standards existed in the world and were just waiting to be discovered by humans. In other words, one day, if we looked hard enough, we would find THE TRUTH!.
2. Socrates employed the same logical tricks developed by the Sophists to a new purpose, the pursuit of truth. "Socrates clearly moves in the same circles as the Sophists; he converses with them eagerly andoften, and his interests are similar. His subject matter is human affairs, in particular arte (Melchert, 63)." Another similarity is that, "Socrates is interested in the arts of communication and argument, in techniques of persuasion (Melchert, 63)".
Throughout his endeavors Socrates found his virtue. ... "But Socrates, what is your occupation? ... Yet Socrates says he is not. ... In this respect, Socrates was wiser than any man. ... This is why Socrates did not cease his philosophy. ...
I will demonstrate this first through Meletus' charge that Socrates does not believe in the gods (Apol. 26c9-10). ... In regards to the charge that Socrates corrupts the youth (Apol. 24b8-9), Socrates gave a seemingly strong defense, but, under further inspection, his main counterargument lacks some crucial logic. ... This logic is faulty, because when Socrates teaches his ideas, one either can choose to ignore what he says, and not become corrupted, or agree with Socrates' teachings. In the case that someone does believe his ideas, Socrates suggested that we wait for someone to...
In terms of political wisdom as an ideology Socrates easily explains it with the roles of the guardians in his city. ... Moderation, Socrates thought had to do with everyone having only what they needed to survive. ... This was an ideology that Socrates really believed in, moderation and the collective sharing of goods and services. In Book IV we see Socrates talking about justice and the just individual. ... Bing a just individual according to Socrates is finding a balance on these three things....
Socrates is never trying to win at the trial. ... However, we can feel the humbleness of Socrates. ... However, Socrates finds this is not the truth. ... What Socrates means is he believes Meletus doesn't really care about if Socrates corrupts youth or is impious. ... Socrates insults Meletus and the powerful people like him, so they wish to get ride of Socrates through this trial so that Socrates won't damage their benefit. ...
Socrates asked Meletos if he thinks it is important for the younger generation to be good as possible. ... (25B)" which means that of all the Athenians, Socrates is the only person guilty of corrupting the youth. ... Secondly, Socrates was accused by Meletos for not believing in the gods. Meletos said to Socrates and the gentle of the jury that he believes in no gods at all. ... But Meletos came to Socrates and claimed that Socrates believes in the spirituality and teaches others to believe in this spiritual matter. ...
Socrates is known to be one of the greatest philosophers of all time. ... Socrates was born in 469 BC in Athens. ... Socrates lost the case and was convicted him by a vote of 280 to 221. ... I believe that Socrates is one of the greatest philosophers I have read about. ... To me Socrates emphasized on true knowledge and wisdom. ...
Socrates clearly didn't wish to die. ... Socrates predicted that he would be sentenced to death, and he accepted it, rather than sacrifice his integrity. ... From the outset, Socrates defended himself against his prosecutors. ... Socrates' acceptance of death is not the same as a desire for death. ... It's clear in "The Apology" that Socrates does not wish to die. ...
Using reason, Socrates could infer truths and undermine any statement. ... His Life Socrates was born in 470 B.C., in Athens, Greece. ... Socrates was an only child, who desired attention throughout his life. ... "And Xanthippe," said Socrates, "is the mother of my children. ... Socrates had an interesting perspective on his unmanageable wife. ...
Socrates in his defence explains to the people of Athens his views and their origins. ... It is a fact that Socrates wanted nothing but to speak the truth and be judged justly. ... This is perfectly highlighted by Socrates follow up statement after Meletus points out Socrates worships demigods. ... Socrates lived his life primarily to attain truth and good moral judgement. ... Socrates was also a poor man as he never charged anyone for his teachings. ...
From Socrates's point of view, he believes that death is like sleep. ... Ironically, Socrates makes a conflict point when he compares dreamless sleep to death. ... Socrates's idea of unrighteousness is clear and sound. ... What makes Socrates so brave is his belief in being a good person. ... Realistically, not everyone has the strong belief like Socrates does. ...
