Thucydides and Socrates think differently about doing what is just. Thucydides believed that justice didn't exist; to him injustice was necessary, where as Socrates believed in it and believed that one should "live a life that is just".
Justice deals with being fair; doing what is right and not wrong. According to Thucydides "justice depends on the equality of power to compel in fact the strong do what they have the power to do and the weak accept what they have to accept." (Thucydides, pg.402), he believes that power decides how things should be, meaning that justice doesn't form part of any decision making. Those who have power have control over those who have nothing and thus take advantage of them. The desire for having power is what keeps these people trapped in an unjust world. But only those who are "weak" can see the injustice because they are the ones who are leaving it. For example, in the .
discussion between the Melian and Athenians the Melians said: "And how could it be just as good for us to be the .
slaves as for you to be the masters? - Athenians: " You, by giving in, would save yourselves from disaster; we, by not destroying you, would be able to profit from you" (Thucydides, pg 402). The Melians can see the injustice going on; they know that there would be justice if they were both equal in status and not seen as the inferior. .
To the Athenians it would be a disadvantage to pursue a just life, because then they would not have power over others. If they believed in justice the "weak" would fight for their rights and that is not what they want. .
Socrates believed in a just world. He would rather die then to commit injustice. He believed in doing what the right thing to do was, in obeying what God had sent him to do, because only God had the power to do the greatest harm. As he said " I do not believe that the law of God permits a better man to be harmed by a worse I believe that it is far worse to do what he is doing now, trying to put a man to death unjustly" (Plato, AP.
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. ...
