Plato, Crito | Socrates on The Many and the Wise | Philosophy Core Concepts

Summary

In this philosophical discourse, Dr. Gregory Sadler explores a pivotal concept from Plato's dialogue, 'Crito.' Socrates distinguishes between the value of public opinion versus the wisdom of experts, emphasizing the importance of heeding knowledgeable advice over the fickle sentiments of the masses. He argues that while the many can neither make one wise nor foolish, an expert's guidance is invaluable, leading to beneficial outcomes. Socrates advocates for moral discernment, suggesting that the opinions of the knowledgeable, especially in matters of ethics, are paramount for preserving one's soul and integrity.

Takeaways

• 🎓 Dr. Gregory Sadler is a philosophy professor and founder of Reason IO, an educational consulting company.
• 📚 He has over 20 years of experience studying and teaching philosophy, aiming to make classic philosophical texts accessible.
• 📈 Dr. Sadler produces lecture videos for YouTube to help students and lifelong learners understand complex philosophical concepts.
• 🤔 In the script, Socrates discusses the importance of discerning whose opinions should hold weight in our decision-making.
• 👥 Socrates challenges the idea that the opinions of the many (public opinion) should dictate our actions, suggesting they lack consistency and expertise.
• 🧠 He argues that the many cannot make a person wise or foolish, as individuals have the choice to follow or ignore public opinion.
• 🏥 Socrates uses the analogy of seeking a personal trainer to illustrate the importance of consulting experts for advice rather than relying on public opinion.
• 💡 The dialogue emphasizes the value of expertise and knowledge in guiding our actions, especially in areas like health, finance, and morality.
• 🌟 Socrates points out that the opinions of the many can lead to harmful consequences due to their lack of truth and understanding.
• 📖 The script references Plato's dialogues, particularly 'Crito', where Socrates discusses moral values and the importance of making decisions based on knowledge rather than popularity.
• 🔍 The video series aims to explore core philosophical concepts from important texts, encouraging viewers to consider the source and validity of opinions that influence their lives.

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 to practical situations.

What is the primary focus of Dr. Sadler's YouTube videos?

Dr. Sadler's YouTube videos primarily focus on explaining core concepts from important philosophical texts in a way that is accessible to students and lifelong learners.

In the context of the script, what is the main distinction Socrates makes in Plato's dialogue, the Crito?

Socrates makes a distinction between the opinions of the many (public opinion) and the opinions of the wise or knowledgeable (expertise), emphasizing the importance of valuing the latter over the former.

Why does Socrates argue that the opinions of the many do not matter?

Socrates argues that the opinions of the many do not matter because they are not valuable, as they lack consistency and good grounds for their views, and they can neither make a person wise nor truly harm them in what matters most.

How does Socrates respond to Crito's suggestion that they should escape because the many can kill him?

Socrates responds by stating that the many cannot truly harm him in what matters most, and therefore, he should not be concerned about public opinion.

What example does Socrates use to illustrate the importance of seeking expert advice rather than following public opinion?

Socrates uses the example of seeking a personal trainer for health and fitness, suggesting that one should go to someone with expertise rather than following the unhealthy habits of the many.

What does Socrates imply about the nature of moral values in the dialogue?

Socrates implies that moral values are objective and can be understood and applied by those who possess knowledge and expertise in moral matters, rather than being subjective as often perceived by society.

What are the three modalities of moral values that Socrates refers to in the script?

The three modalities of moral values that Socrates refers to are the just versus unjust, the honorable versus dishonorable, and the good versus bad.

Why does Socrates emphasize the importance of listening to the wise rather than the many when making moral decisions?

Socrates emphasizes the importance of listening to the wise because their opinions are based on knowledge and expertise, leading to better outcomes and protecting what is most valuable in a person, their soul or integrity.

What question does Dr. Sadler leave for the viewers to consider regarding the wise person in Plato's or Socrates' philosophy?

Dr. Sadler leaves the viewers with the question of who the wise person would be for Plato or Socrates, and whether the laws discussed in another dialogue might substitute for such a person.