The Examined Life: A Synthesis - Essay Example

The Examined Life: A Synthesis Who am I? Human beings are shaped by their interactions with the environment where some aspects that influence our character are impacted to us while we are still young. One’s character is affected by the way others view us which may actually be contrary to what we actually are. For example, Socrates in his defense noted that he was accused of corrupting the minds of the young by making the worse appear the better cause which he was determined to prove to be untrue. Moral absolutism would therefore condemn him as a bad man who deserves conviction but a chance to have him defend himself gave him a chance to prove his true character (Plato, 2). Amidst this confusion and assassination of character one must seek a sense of self worth. Firm belief in one’s own abilities is critical as Walker (24) noted, “In real life I am a large-boned woman with rough, man-working hands.” Such a strong self reassurance gives hope and determination to explore one’s abilities and live responsibly. At times our self worth is influenced by how others perceive us to be and individuals may condition their behavior and character in that perspective. In addition, how we conduct ourselves may influence the image that others have about us. Crito while responding to Plato worries about the possibility of informers making more trouble for them in prison pointed out that, “I am ashamed both of your behalf and on behalf of us your friends, that this whole affair surrounding you will be thought to have happened due to some cowardice on our part,” (Plato, 3). To illustrate our understanding on decision making patterns, our observation of past events plays a major part. For example, Dee encounter with fire that burnt their house made her fear and always avoid similar scenes (Walker, 25). To live a responsible life, one needs to incorporate what is learnt in their daily life and build a character of self worth. What can I Know? Human being can gain knowledge through different ways including observation, learning, intuition, reason and mediation among others. For example, Socrates’ evidence and judgment was revealed to him in a dream while he was in custody that he was to suffer death at the hands the authorities. Such mediations powered by intuition maybe a source of knowledge to individuals (Plato, 1). Plato also acknowledges that listening to the opinions of others helps to shape ones understanding and a choice between right and wrong in line with moral relativism theory. Plato in Euthyphro portrays how individuals can know through the power of intuition when tells Euthyphro that the man his father killed Euthyphro’s relative, “I am amused, Socrates, at your making a distinction between one who is in relation and one who is not in relation,” (Plato, 4). When people open their mind to learn they broaden their minds to learn what is right and what is right. It’s the way people learn that influences their decision making. For example, Euthyphro’s decision to prosecute his father for killing his relative (who had killed a fellow servant) over neglect and torture is a case of moral absolutism as murder is a crime regardless of who did it. Those that know what is right have a duty and responsibility to take the right action even if such an act is against those that they have a close relationship. The essence of doing the right thing is to ensure that, “the impious, whoever he may be, ought not to go unpunished.” Euthyphro justifies his action against his father, a case of moral relativism when argues that people regard Zeus as the best and most righteous of the gods yet they admit that he bound his father, Cronos, for wickedly devouring his sons (Plato, 5-7). To him, “so inconsistent are they in their way of talking when the gods are concerned, and when I am concerned.” In essence, he has an implied contract to do the right thing without fear regardless of what men say. Based on what I know what should I do? Knowledge should be the basis of our actions as it helps us to distinguish good and evil and right and wrong. Therefore, when taking action against criminals, it’s only fair that the same crime should get the same treatment (Tertullianus and Felix, 27). Human beings should therefore be determined to pursue the righteous things. Such an action will require one to be persuaded in the soul by nothing other than argument which seems best to one’s reflection. For one to do the right thing they must follow the trainer and expert, honor his opinion and praise and practice and exercise his ways rather than follow the wishes of the majority who are wicked (Plato, 3-4). Given that one understand good and bad just and unjust, it’s therefore prudent that wrong doers be punished (Plato, 14). It’s only in so doing that we will bring order in society as any attempt to argue otherwise will breed war and anarchy. To bring justice to society one should not keep children or life or anything else ahead of justice. Any other act will only bring more harm to those that deserve less harm and vice versa. In addition, Socrates cautions that this will only make one’s life and that of those to come (Plato, 10). Its therefore desirable that human being re-examine their lives and action and endeavor to make the world a better place than they found it by acting responsibly. Works cited Plato. Crito. Translated by Cathal Woods and Ryan Pack. California: Creative Commons, 1927 Plato. Euthyphro: Translated by Benjamin Jowett. Forgotten Books, 1928. Available at www.forgottenbooks.org 15th Dec. 2011. Tertullianus, Q. S., Felix, M.M., Apology. Cantab: The Late Scholars of Christ College, 1931 Walker, Alice and Christian, Barbara. Everyday use. New Jersey. The State University Press.1994 Read More