how did socrates challenge the values of the people of athens?
Socrates kept questioning people until the discovered truths for themselves.
Socrates wanted people to consider the true meaning of qualities such as justice and courage.Athens valued the arts.
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To understand how Socrates challenged the values of the people of Athens, it is important to consider the historic context. Socrates lived in ancient Athens during a time when the society was characterized by a strong emphasis on tradition, rhetoric, and democratic government.
Socrates challenged the values of the Athenians in several ways:
1. Questioning Authority: Socrates believed in questioning everything, including the widely accepted beliefs and ideas of the society. He engaged in dialogues with individuals from all walks of life, questioning their assumptions and challenging their beliefs. This often led to him exposing contradictions and inconsistencies in their reasoning.
2. Socratic Method: Socrates employed a method known as the Socratic dialogue or dialectic. Instead of lecturing or presenting his own ideas, he engaged in conversations with others, asking probing questions to help them examine their own beliefs and ideas. Through this method, he aimed to encourage critical thinking and self-reflection.
3. Prioritizing Wisdom and Virtue: Socrates advocated for the pursuit of wisdom and virtue as the ultimate goals, rather than material possessions, wealth, or social status. He believed that true knowledge came from self-examination and the acknowledgment of one's own ignorance.
4. Challenging the Sophists: The Sophists were influential teachers in Athens who taught rhetoric, persuasion, and practical skills. Socrates criticized them for valuing persuasive speech and winning arguments over seeking truth and genuine knowledge. He believed that rhetoric without a foundation of wisdom and virtue was deceptive.
5. Criticizing Democracy: Socrates questioned the workings of the Athenian democracy, arguing that it allowed the unqualified masses to make important decisions without the necessary expertise or understanding. This criticism threatened the democratic values that the Athenians held dear.
By challenging traditional beliefs, questioning authority, and encouraging critical thinking, Socrates aimed to guide people towards a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. However, his unconventional methods and ideas eventually led to his trial and execution, as he was seen as a threat to the established order.