This essay discusses the differences between the personal philosophies of Plato and Socrates. Specifically, it focuses on three areas where their philosophies diverge: education, wisdom, and knowledge.
In Plato’s Republic, he advocates for a society that would have three main classes: the ruling class (or guardians), the auxiliary class, and the business class. He believes that justice is based on the harmonious operation of these three classes and law must be based on justice in order for it to be obeyed by all citizens. The ruling class must have wisdom, courage, and moderation while the business class only needs to be interested in serving the community. Lastly, monarchy is proposed as the best form of government for Plato’s Republic.
In Plato’s dialogue Euthyphro, Socrates and Euthyphro debate the concept of piety. Euthyphro provides several definitions of piety, but all of them are rejected by Socrates. As a result, the dialogue ends in aporia.
Daniel Dennett’s theory of mental states is a controversial theory in the philosophy of mind that has been criticized by many other philosophers, including David Armstrong and John Searle.