Topic– Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world.
8) Discuss the contribution of Socrates towards ethics and moral philosophy.(250 words)
Directive word
Discuss- this is an all-encompassing directive which mandates us to write in detail about the key demand of the question. we also have to discuss about the related and important aspects of the question in order to bring out a complete picture of the issue in hand.
Key demand of the question.
The question wants us to write in detail about Socrates- his thoughts related to morality and ethics.
Structure of the answer
Introduction– write a few introductory lines about Socrates. E.g Socrates is considered as the father of modern Western philosophy. The great example of the trial and death of Socrates demonstrates the close connection between his character and his philosophy etc.
Body-
Discuss in points about the thoughts and works of Socrates. E.g
- Self-knowledge is a sufficient condition to the good life. Socrates identifies knowledge with virtue. If knowledge can be learned, so can virtue. Thus, Socrates states virtue can be taught.
- He believes “the unexamined life is not worth living.” One must seek knowledge and wisdom before private interests. In this manner, knowledge is sought as a means to ethical action.
- Socrates presupposes reason is essential for the good life: Socrates argues for the view that all of the virtues—justice, wisdom, courage, piety, and so forth—are one. He provides a number of arguments for this thesis.
- Socrates states no one chooses evil; no one chooses to act in ignorance. We seek the good, but fail to achieve it by ignorance or lack of knowledge as to how to obtain what is good.
- It is Better to Suffer an Injustice Than to Commit One”: This argument must be understood in terms of the Socratic emphasis on the care of the soul. Committing an injustice corrupts one’s soul, and therefore committing injustice is the worst thing a person can do to himself.
Conclusion- based on your discussion, form a fair and a balanced conclusion on the given issue.
