What a Good Man Is According to Socrates Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 2

What a Good Man Is According to Socrates - Essay Example Since no one has ever experienced death, even if he was released on the condition that he stops his philosophy, Socrates would not accept such trade. His argument is that he relies on the truth that evil things do not happen to good people whether they are dead or alive and that God is not oblivious to the concerns (pragrata) of such a good person. â€Å"No evil can happen to a good man either living or dead... (p28)†. The fact that Socrates regards himself as a good man during the Apology is a contrast that Socrates poses to himself. In his earlier dialogue, Socrates believes that virtue cannot be claimed without moral knowledge, which he claims not to have. Without an in-depth understanding of claim by Socrates, it is easier to assume that the claims by Socrates would only be valid if he also believes that, to a certain extent, one can be good without necessarily having moral virtue. According to Socrates, and indeed with surety, he views the virtuous as good. However, the virtuous cannot claim goodness if they lack moral wisdom that is needed to have the virtue. Away from trying to pursue the true thing that Socrates has in mind with his claim, it is almost obvious for one to deny the claim of Socrates that he does not possess the virtue which he insists he is still seeking. ...the fact is that neither of us knows anything beautiful and good, but he thinks he does know when he doesnt, and I don't know and don't think I do: so I am wiser than he is by only this trifle, that what I do not know I don't think I do. (p. 26) At this point, Socrates admits that he has some wisdom slightly higher than the rest of his fellow human in Athens, a wisdom which is given by God.