Plato, Crito | Socrates on Living According to Principle | Philosophy Core Concepts

Summary

Dr. Gregory Sadler, a philosophy professor and founder of Reason IO, discusses the importance of living by principles as highlighted in Plato's works featuring Socrates. He emphasizes the Socratic commitment to consistency, the pursuit of wisdom, and the refusal to do wrong, even in the face of death. Sadler explores Socrates' moral principles, such as adherence to agreements and seeking the counsel of the wise, and stresses the importance of these principles in ethical decision-making.

Takeaways

• 🎓 Dr. Gregory Sadler is a professor of philosophy and founder of Reason IO, an educational consulting company.
• 📚 He specializes in making classic philosophical texts accessible to students and lifelong learners.
• 📈 His approach involves creating video lectures, both long and short, to explain complex philosophical concepts.
• 🤔 The script focuses on Plato's works, particularly those featuring Socrates and the concept of living by principles.
• 🏛️ Socrates' principle of living in accordance with a fixed doctrine is central to his philosophy and led to his execution.
• 🤝 The principle of not bending rules for personal convenience is emphasized, highlighting Socratic consistency.
• 🧠 Socrates encourages reflection and open-mindedness, being willing to change principles if better ones are found.
• 🔍 The script discusses the importance of seeking wise counsel rather than following the opinions of the masses.
• 🚫 Socrates' moral principles include not doing wrong to others and not retaliating with evil for evil.
• 🤝 He also stresses the importance of keeping agreements, even at personal cost.
• 🔑 The meta-principle of adhering to principles until better ones are found is a guiding theme in Socratic and Platonic philosophy.

Q & A

Who is Dr. Gregory Sadler and what is his role at Reason IO?

Dr. Gregory Sadler is a professor of philosophy and the president and founder of an educational consulting company called Reason IO, where he applies philosophy in practical ways.

What is the primary focus of Dr. Sadler's educational content?

Dr. Sadler's educational content primarily focuses on helping students and lifelong learners understand and engage with classic philosophical texts by breaking down complex concepts into more accessible forms, particularly through video lectures on YouTube.

What does Dr. Sadler suggest about the complexity of philosophical concepts?

Dr. Sadler suggests that the concepts in classic philosophical texts are not always complicated, but rather it is often the way things are said or how the text is structured that causes difficulties for readers.

How does Dr. Sadler describe Socrates' approach to living according to principles?

Dr. Sadler describes Socrates' approach as one that emphasizes living in accordance with principles or doctrines, which are fixed points that guide one's actions and decisions until something better is found.

What is the significance of Socrates' stance on principles in relation to his execution?

Socrates' stance on living and dying in accordance with principle is significant because it led to his execution. He chose to adhere to his principles rather than flee Athens, even though it meant facing death.

What does Socrates argue against in response to Crito's suggestion to escape?

Socrates argues against the idea of bending principles or rules when it is convenient or advantageous to do so. He emphasizes the importance of consistency and not setting aside principles just because of personal circumstances.

How does Socrates view the flexibility of principles?

While Socrates is not inflexible, he is open to reflection and persuasion. He is willing to consider whether there are better principles to follow, but until such better principles are found, he insists on adhering to the ones he has settled on.

What are the three moral principles Socrates discusses in the script?

The three moral principles Socrates discusses are: 1) One should not accept the opinions of just anyone but should seek the advice of the wise or knowledgeable, 2) One should never willingly do wrong or harm unjustly to another person, and 3) One should follow through on agreements made with others.

What is the 'meta principle' that Socrates mentions regarding the adherence to principles?

The 'meta principle' Socrates mentions is that one should follow principles until better ones are found, and if no better principles are presented, one should continue to adhere to the existing ones.

How does Dr. Sadler relate Socrates' approach to principles to broader philosophical and ethical discussions?

Dr. Sadler relates Socrates' approach to principles by highlighting its centrality to Socratic and Platonic morality, and by suggesting that this approach to consistency and adherence to principles is a theme that extends beyond ancient Greek philosophy and is relevant to ethical discussions throughout history.