The definition of virtue by Socrates is not straightforward, especially given that his account of virtue is not from his own writing. He claims that he has never met any person who understands what virtue really is (Soccio). Virtue is described as good, just from the same perspective as happiness. Virtue is an unconditional good which derives value from happiness. It is through the pursuit of happiness that virtue is derivable.
The Socratic problem is a concept used in philosophy and by historical scholars suggesting the attempts to reconstruct a philosophical and historical Socratic image on the basis of inconsistent and at times contradicting accounts that try to explain his life. Although one of the most notable figures in the philosophical world, he did not write any philosophy, which means it is not possible to understand his life through his perspective (Soccio). It is not possible to say exactly what he thought. Plato and Xenophon, who were two of his students are the source of what is known about the philosopher.
The theory of the forms is the one through which the understanding of beauty as defined by Socrates can be obtained. The theory expounds that things like beauty exist in themselves because they have form. Form is explained by the philosopher as the basis for which things come into being (Soccio). Beautiful things are so because they have the form of beauty.
Socrates’ Apology
Socrates was facing a trial for his life before the Athenian Council. He was facing a trial that could lead him to death condemnation. He did not appear to defend himself against his accusers. On the contrary, he acted in such a way that he would be found culpable of the crime and sentenced to death. The defense should be condemned in the strongest terms because this is a man that had committed his life to truth, justice, and virtue. Instead of committing himself to death, he should have allowed the wheel of justice to roll. He should have allowed the Council to gather evidence and place guilt where it was due. It is only with adequate evidence that the guilty party would be established. Socrates should have allowed the process to work even if at the end the Council would have been found guilty. This is a person who had spent most of his life speaking about and promoting virtuous life. However, this is the same person who did not allow for his principles of justice and virtue to be applied in his own case. He was quick to accept guilt and even lead the accusers towards finding him culpable. He did not even try to defend himself against the accusations. This clearly went against what he taught and believed, probably explaining the terming of the defense as an apology.
Work Cited
Soccio, D. J. (2015). Archetypes of wisdom: An introduction to philosophy. Nelson Education.
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