In the Euthyphro Socrates practices philosophy using his own particular method. In the Apologia he defends his practice of philosophy before a jury of Athenians. In this essay assignment, I’ll ask you to show your familiarity with Socratic philosophical practice and to evaluate the usefulness of his methodology.
Instructions
From the Five Dialogs of Plato:
READ “Euthyphro” http://classics.mit.edu/Plato/euthyfro.html
READ “Apology” https://chs.harvard.edu/primary-source/plato-the-apology-of-socrates-sb/
Write a short essay (roughly 500-600 words). The task here is to demonstrate that you can present and evaluate the Socratic elenchus. To that end, your essay should:
• Explain the elenchus and provide an example (from the Euthyphro) of how Socrates uses the method.
• Explain Socrates’ defense of his philosophical practice, as presented in the Apologia. What does Socrates claims is the great benefit of his work? What does Socrates’ wisdom consist in?
• Evaluate the effectiveness of Socratic philosophical practice. Is the Socratic method helpful in personal self-examination? Is the method helpful in public discourse? Why or why not?
