Socrates

The downfall of man has been described in many ways. Some say a snake coerced a woman into eating a piece of forbidden fruit. Some say that man is genetically flawed, setting up a certain predisposition to failure before a child is even born. Others even state that it is a god's will that we succumb to human nature and fall from grace. Who is correct? Is anybody correct? Philosophy, the study of man, tries to explain this dilemma in terms that human beings can understand. And perhaps no other philosopher had a greater impact on our modern Western civilization than did the Athenian Socrates. The man who taught society to question and reason, the man who took Plato under his wing, and the man who died one of the most tragic deaths in all of humanity, did so while acknowledging his own mortality and human weakness (Bartlett). He taught civilization to recognize and value their own ignorance, while striving to educate themselves as to the ways of the world. His influence is present in modern day philosophers and intellectuals, and his Socratic method reigns as one of the world's most effective debate and reasoning tools. Historians will quabble as to who was the "real" Socrates, and whether or not most of his thoughts were a figment of Plato's imagination (Bartlett). Whether or not Socrates stated all that was attributed to him is irrelevant, as the thoughts and ideas attributed to him are what changed the world and influenced Western civilization's course through history.

The ability to introspect and to reason are two of the most important traits in humanity. When one acknowledges that he or she is incorrect, the majority of the time, and if the person is reasonable, they will come to the conclusion that they must change their viewpoint. This level of internal questioning has been refined by using the Socratic method ("The Ethics of Socrates"). The method involves asking oneself or another multiple questions in order to eliminate contradictory thoughts or explanations. Socrates used this method on his students as well as himself, feeling that discourse both private and public would benefit from such a reasonable treatment. By teaching a civilization to examine it's own thoughts and ideas by reducing contradictory actions and motives, modern society has benefited (Brickhouse and Smith). Law schools and attorneys use the Socratic method to examine their students and clients. Colleges apply it to their students to see if they truly have a grasp on the subject they are currently discussing. Even elementary schools use a form of the Socratic method to show a pupil right from wrong, fair from unfair, and friendly actions from hostile. It is a practical tool that allows both the questioner and the respondent to stay focused, on task, and answer only relevant questions to the subject at hand ("The Ethics of Socrates"). This practicality substantiates claims that Socrates is the most influential philosopher Western civilization has produced. While his students, specifically Plato, refined some of the thoughts associated with the Socratic method, never has such an original idea, perhaps other than the God idea, had such a profound effect on the way modern society has been shaped. Socrates made reason and intellect a virtue, and took study away from the heavens, believing that while the spiritual realm was valid, nothing was as pertinent as understanding one's own nature and purpose in life ("The Ethics of Socrates"). Debate and research substantiated with the Socratic method can withstand peer criticism and verification, thus giving humankind a level of comfort and trustworthiness in regards to the information provided.

A significant part of remaining relevant and pertinent to cultures and societies centuries later is the ability to influence ones contemporaries. Socrates was such a philosophical inspiration that Plato, another great Western philosopher was primarily influenced by him. In fact, historians' primary sources come from Plato, not from Socrates. Socrates felt that he had no more knowledge than any of his contemporaries, and thus did not feel the need to write anything down or pass on what he knew in the realm of human nature. This is often referred to as Socratic irony, the feigning of ignorance in order to extract thoughts and ideas from the students he was teaching (Brickhouse and Smith). Since Socrates left us with virtually no written historic record, we must rely on the writings of Plato and Aristotle, among others, as ways to gauge Socrates' influence upon history. In the Republic, Plato discusses his ideas on justice with Socrates as well as other characters. Socrates states that not only is justice helping fellow men, but also not inflicting harm on anyone (Plato). Thoughts such as this reflect what the temperament of such a man was, and that temperament reflects upon Plato and Aristotle throughout their works and studies. And while Plato, Aristotle, and others had their own ideas of what constituted justice, it was Plato that proclaimed, in his epistle the Seventh Letter, that Socrates was "the justest man alive" (Plato).

Questioning of authority was a foundation for Socrates' tactics and teachings. His method of questioning led many city leaders to have a great disdain for Socrates ("The Wisest of the Greeks). They resented his telling of children to question their parents, albeit in a respectful manner (Brickhouse and Smith). What made him most famous was not the pride he took in questioning the elite nobles' systems and customs, but rather he did so not to humiliate them, but to enlighten them. He took no pride in making others look foolish, and did not have an aura of arrogance around him ("The Ethics of Socrates"). Herein lies his influence; many modern figures such as Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr., Mother Teresa, Rosa Parks have used this same method in one form or another. Whether it was Gandhi using a hunger strike to achieve his aims, or Rosa Parks' form of silent protest, they stood up to authority, and had selfless or righteous aims. Martin Luther King, Jr. questioned the segregated South in speeches and rallies, but did not belittle. History has vindicated these men and woman as effective, and history has also validated this Socratic line of thinking as valid. Civil dialogue, debate, and disagreement occur because great philosophers, specifically Socrates showed human beings how to engage in constructive criticism, compromise, and problem solving.

Private property is the root of all community disputes, as it breeds jealousy and contempt of one's neighbor. Women should be kept in common, with sex being awarded to the most productive members of society. Work should be done for the benefit of others, and not for individual gain. Even such presently frowned upon systems as eugenics should be practiced as a whole. Children should be raised by society, not by individual families (Plato). Which philosopher was the first to eloquently express these ideas? The most common answer would be Karl Marx or Friedrich Engels. In actuality, it was Socrates, through Plato's writings, that first espoused these views to Western civilization. Though Marx and Socrates differed on many levels, there is no denying the extreme influence that the latter had on the former's Communist thought and ideals. While many philosophers throughout the ages have influenced forms of government, the government's ideals usually vary slightly from the original thought. With respect to Communism, there could not have been a more exact copy of ideals transferring from Socrates to Marx and Engels. Modern Communist governments do not practice the majority of the social aspects of Socrates' philosophy due to modern practicality issues, but the ideals remain the same.

Hemlock is an extremely poisonous plant. Slow muscular paralysis occurs, with the victim remaining conscious until the poison reaches their check, stopping their heart muscle. This is the punishment set upon Socrates by the very own people he sought to influence. And by staying true to his convictions until the very end, he influenced people far beyond Athens. Several of his students were present at the time of his death, such as Apollodorus and Crito. Both are referenced in Plato's account, The Apology. Due to his brutal honesty and convictions, Athenian jurors convicted him by a margin of 280 to 220 ("The Suicide of Socrates"). Soon after, however, many people began to realize the error the larger society had made by executing the brilliant philosopher. Not only did his thoughts and ideas spread to so many of his philosophical peers, but they did so because he taught his contemporaries to acknowledge their own imperfections and ignorance ("The Wisest of the Greeks). The Oracle at Delphi once stated that Socrates was the wisest man alive, and rather than gloat, Socrates realized that this was because he knew his own flaws, and the belief that he did not possess any more wisdom than did any other man (Brickhouse and Smith). At seventy years old, Socrates influenced more citizens and students than most could hope to do in several lifetimes. All throughout the trial, he had an opportunity to flee Athens, and thus escape certain death. But steadfast in his loyalty to the city that birthed him, he refused to abandon Athens even though Athens had abandoned him. His famous last words were "Crito, I owe a cock to Asclepius, will you remember to pay the debt?", which Crito replied in the affirmative ("The Suicide of Socrates"). This quote has remained ingrained in our culture due to the selfless nature of Socrates even to his last breath. No other philosopher, Western or Eastern, has a more fitting epitaph nor a more memberable one.

The trial and death of Socrates also carries on a much more controversial legacy that is rarely touched upon by scholars. Much like Socrates influenced the thoughts and ideals of Karl Marx, some suggest that the execution of Socrates influenced the thoughts and ideals of Christianity as well ("Jesus and Socrates"). The Christian account of Jesus explains that he was anti-authoritarian and non-conformist. He went against the established religious parameters the townspeople had set forth. Jesus of Nazareth is described as selfless, seeking only to live and die for the betterment of humanity. Furthermore, most would argue that both Socrates' and Jesus' deaths were self inflicted. From a Christian perspective, Jesus was divine and could have escaped the cross at any time ("Socrates' Third-Day Resurrection"). Socrates had ample time and opportunity to flee elsewhere and escape his ultimate punishment. Yet both died for their ideals and loyalty to their executioners, one being a city and another being a god. One could ascertain from this potential precursor for the story of Jesus' resurrection that Socrates influenced billions, as the Christian religion is extremely widespread . The Christian Jesus certainly had different values and beliefs than did Socrates, but the ultimate belief in humanity is a common bond.

Western civilization has produced thousands of great philosophers, scientists, mathematicians, and other academics. But when evaluating the greatest minds in our history, there are a variety of factors one must consider when stating who was most influential. How has the person effected daily life? How have their thoughts made a difference to the world around us? Who has the person inspired to do magnificent things? In the realm of philosophy, Socrates is the answer to all of the above questions. The Socratic method has allowed us as a society to research, debate, reason, and ignore. It has given scientists a base for which to conduct groundbreaking research for life saving techniques and substances. It has given an elementary school teacher a way to interact with a problem child, showing them the error in their young ways without lecturing or scolding them, but rather the child is able to see the flaws in his or her actions themselves. The resounding influence Socrates had on his students, especially Plato, allowed for his message to be carried on in a written history to inspire countless generations to come. Whether as a character in one of Plato's dialogues or as a historical figure, scholars agree that Socratic ethics influenced Western society to an unparalleled degree. While some might disagree with some of his ideas, notably holding women in common and the abolition of private property, no one can deny the steadfastness that Socrates held his beliefs, even to the extent of dying for them. Every human being, at some point of their lives, has questioned authority, most rightfully so. We as a society have Socrates to admire for being the original philosophical rebel. Even in death, Socrates figuratively stepped on authoritarian toes by not being fearful of what was to come next. In a way, he represents the quintessential Western spirit, both humble and stubborn, brave and reserved, antagonizing yet complimentary.

Works Cited

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Brickhouse, Thomas, and Nicholas D. Smith. "Plato." The Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. N.p., 9 May 2009. Web. 18 July 2010.

"The Ethics of Socrates." Philosophy.Lander.Edu. N.p., 19 Oct. 2009. Web. 18 July 2010.

"Jesus and Socrates Compared." Anno Domini: The Teacher of Common Sense. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 July 2010.

Plato. The Apology. Project Gutenberg. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 July 2010.

Plato. Republic. Project Gutenberg. N.p., 4 May 2006. Web. 16 July 2010.

Plato. Seventh Letter. Project Gutenberg. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 July 2010.

"Socrates' Third-Day Resurrection." Apologetics. N.p., 2008. Web. 18 July 2010. .
"The Suicide of Socrates." Eyewitness to History. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 July 2010.
"The Wisest of the Greeks." Weekend Triumph 14 Sept. 1991: n. pag. Print.