Ideas from 'The Apology' by Plato [398 BCE], by Theme Structure

[found in 'Complete Works' by Plato (ed/tr Cooper,John M.) [Hackett 1997,0-87220-349-2]].

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1. Philosophy / D. Nature of Philosophy / 5. Aims of Philosophy / a. Philosophy as worldly

24224

An unexamined life is not worth living.

			Full Idea: The unexamined life is not worth living for men.
			From: Plato (The Apology [c.398 BCE], 38a)
			A reaction: Since 'Apology' is an early work, this idea seems certainly to originate in Socrates, rather than Plato. Until recently no one doubted it, but there have recently been some nice teasing protests against endless examination.

20. Action / C. Motives for Action / 3. Acting on Reason / b. Intellectualism

1655	If goodness needs true opinion but not knowledge, you can skip the 'examined life'

			Full Idea: If true opinion without knowledge does suffice to guide action aright, the great mass of men and women may be spared the pain and hazards of the "examined" life.
			From: comment on Plato (The Apology [c.398 BCE], 38a) by Gregory Vlastos - Socrates: Ironist and Moral Philosopher p.125