discussion

Description

2 classmates discussion that I need you to do the respond to, just one to two paragraph on each. when you do the respond you should see the similarities from discussion that you did on the last order (the one that is about Apology), their opinion, and whether you agree or not(base on what you’ve wrote on the last order)

1st classmate discussion:

This pandemic has forced us to face our own feeble and temporary existences. By placing death in front of eyes in mass numbers, taking control of our everyday lives, and stripping us of our social interactions and connections with others, we have been forced into contemplation of the meaning of it all and the significance of the time we are wasting. With such a finite period of time to experience our own consciousness, how can we justify living in such a restrictive manner? At the same time, the fragility of the human being when confronted with this disease only adds to the fear that our already short time on this earth will be cut down even further if we do not follow these restrictions. With these conflicting interpretations of the pandemic constantly circling our minds, it is difficult not to become slaves to our fear of death. To comfort ourselves, we ignore the certainty of death and in doing so convince ourselves that we will live forever. Critchley states that “Slavery consists in bondage to the fear of death” and argues that the role of philosophy is to free the individual from the slavery of their “counterfeit eternity” by teaching them to accept their inevitable death (Critchley). However, I disagree with Critchley. I believe that we are powerless to the inescapable fear of death. I know that I will die and I accept that. To escape the fear and anxiety that accompany my ever more frequent thoughts of dying would be more than I could ever ask for, but unfortunately, acceptance does not eliminate fear. You cannot truly eliminate the fear of death. It serves an evolutionary purpose. For the survival of our species, it is programmed into our genome. I find it hard to believe that even Critchley, on his death bed, will be able to look into the void without fear.

2nd classmate discussion:

Plato was a student of Socrates. In the “Apology,” Plato depicts Socrates during his trial for impiety. Socrates’ accusers, Anytus, Lycon and Meletus accused him of not recognizing the gods recognized by the state, inventing new deities, and corrupting the youth of Athens. Prior to reading more about Socrates and his works, I imagined Socrates apologizing to his accusers due to the title Plato gave. However, I was struck with the realization that Socrates, in no way, was ever regretful of any of the charges made against him. After further research, I discovered that the word “Apology” comes from the greek word “apologia” which means “defense.” After listening to “Apology” I came to the conclusion that the reason why the ancient Athenians wanted him dead, was because Socrates ultimately undermined Athenian authority with his new ideas. He “perverted” the youth, allowing them to come to their own conclusions about life and authority. This made the Athenian authorities worry about the future of their culture and way of life. If young Athenian teenagers listened to Socrates’ teachings, they would rebel against their parents and other traditional ways of thinking.

Socrates defends himself by saying that he is “a gadfly to a lazy horse.” It is later revealed that the lazy horse is the Athenian government and despite the irritation and discomfort the bite of a gadfly may cause, it is necessary that the fly bite the horse, in order for it to get up and change for the better. He also argued that because he recognizes his own ignorance, that he has an advantage over those in politics. With thins knowledge of knowing that he does not know anything, it would have been his ethical duty to show the younger generation his findings. To hold knowledge back, would be unethical.

Although I agree that Socrates made a few convincing arguments, if I were a judge at his trial, I would have voted him guilty. I say this because it is with only hindsight that I know the results of what his actions would do to the entire world, especially Western ethics and philosophy. But, as a judge during this time, I expect that I would have thought about what would work in my best interest. With Socrates gone, I would have one less trouble maker to worry about. As a judge, I would want to maintain my position and authority in government, therefore, I would do anything in my power to keep it as such.

I would vote Socrates guilty, first, because of his weak argument with Meletus. In their argument in the court, it seems like Socrates was more concerned about making Meletus look ignorant rather than prove any facts. This makes the rest of his reasoning unreliable.

Secondly, I would vote Socrates guilty because it is not in my best interest that he stays in the general public. His continued presence in the social sphere would not only undermine my authority as a judge, but chip away at the framework the Athenian government was based on. if young people began to question their authorities and listen to Socrates, they would stop listening to their government.

The accusers and judges at the trial fought to maintain the status quo. As human beings, we despise change. Especially those who gain wealth and power from the status quo. Today, we see our leaders put more effort in to attacking each other’s character, rather than focusing on the real issues at hand. We, as a society, are like a lazy horse that needs a “fly” to wake us up.