Philosophy final exam - Essay Example

Download file to see previous pages In addition to this argument, Socrates also argues that a better person cannot be harmed by a worse one. This argument is presented in response to claims against him that he has corrupted the Athenian youth. Similar to the earlier argument this can be extended to a broader context, so that if one person is truly considered better in terms of moral or intellectual qualities, then it is possible for another individual to corrupt them. A third argument Socrates advances is that a man should do what is right and not consider living and dying. In these regards, Socrates is referring to the nature of morality and correct action. For Socrates, the individual should follow a path that considers the nature of life for not selfish reasons, but for what is best in terms of their own existence.
Through Plato, Socrates made a number of great contributions to philosophy. Among the important contributions include the argument of the theory of forms, which contended that objects within the world have an eternal metaphysical form. For instance, three different types of clouds are all part of the eternal form of cloud. In the Apology, perhaps his greatest contribution to philosophy is his contention that the unexamined life is not worth living. My personal feeling on Socrates is a general approval of his approach to life. Still, I recognize that many of his philosophical ideals, including the theory of forms, are out-dated and do not stand up to contemporary examination.
William Paleys approach to religion is greatly influenced by movements in natural theology. In these regards, Paley believed that Gods design for the universe and the physical world can be identified in the happiness in the order of things. His approach to natural theology can be identified in texts such as aptly named Natural Theology where he outlines this philosophical stance (“Victorian ...Download file to see next pagesRead More