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Socrates not only lived his philosophy, he died for it.  Socrates’ death gave his philosophy new life and his death had a profound impact on his young student, Plato, who chose to write as his first book his account of Socrates’ defense, called the Apology, at which Plato was present.

Here is a good and quick overview of Socrates as a philosopher that could help you with these questions: LINK (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site..

With the materials for this week in mind, and especially “The Apology”, answer any two you choose of the three following questions:

[1] The Sophists, which Socrates referred to as prostitutes of wisdom, have given philosophy a bad name. Why might that be? In your opinion, are there people in business, the media, and politics today whose rhetoric resembles that of the Sophists?

[2] Socrates has two famous quotes from the Apology:  “An unexamined life is not worth living” and “Know thyself.”  Which one resonates with you the most?  And why?  To help you, here is a video clip of Cornel West discussing his view of the meaning of these words: LINK (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site..

[3] Did Socrates’ die for something worthwhile?  Why or why not?  What was it that he died for?  Is there anything or anyone or any value that you would be willing to die for?