Similarities Between Socrates And Confucius - 818 Words

Title The texts of Socrates and Confucius examine what it means to live the good life. Although, the texts have similarities, especially in clarifying what the good life isn’t, their philosophies on how to obtain the good life differ greatly. Additionally, the two texts are even ambiguous on what living the good life truly means, so it is first necessary to identify what the good life is. The philosophies share the thought that following the instructions to live the good life will benefit the individual who does so. Confuciuss analects state â€Å"In the morning hear the Way; in the evening die content† (Analects, 1336). Both ideas agree that the individual that follows the good life will be better off, but unlike modern opinion living†¦show more content†¦This anecdote from his own life provides insight into the prophecy that he preaches. One should treat all things with reason and not merely accept knowledge regardless of the prestige of the source, but should test the knowledge through examination. Even in the face of death Socrates portrayed these values. Socrates treated his own trial with contempt despite the punishment of being put to death. Furthermore, he declined the proposition to stop his ways of examination with the reward of his life. Firstly, he did not accept the plea because he was willing to consider the fact that death may inde ed be better than life, again admitting his own ignorance (Apology,516). However, his reason for not accepting the plea was that he believed â€Å"a life without enquiry is not worth living† (Apology, 526). Socrates understood that in order to live the good life for himself it could not be done without examination and rational thought. Although, refusal to sacrifice rational thought wasn’t the only reason that Socrates wasn’t willing to accept the plea. Again, when confronting his own mortality Socrates announced to the jury that no man with a spark of decency â€Å"ought to consider life or death, the only thing he ought to consider... is whether he does right or wrong† (Apology, 515). For Socrates this idea of doing what is right is classified under the idea of justice, however; even Socrates has difficulty defining what justice is. Socrates attempts to define justiceShow MoreRelatedSimilarities Between Socrates And Confucius1324 Words   |  6 PagesSocrates and Confucius were early thinkers who questioned and reevaluated societal norms and beliefs, in eagerness for answers to humanity. Socrates and Confucius questioned if the society around them detracted them, as well as others, from being free thinkers. Although Confucius’ teachings were more openly embraced by those around him compared to those of Socrates region, both sought the power of knowledge and desire to spread wisdom. Using Plato’s Apology and The Analects of Confucius, this essayRead MoreSocrates And Confucius As Teachers3484 Words   |  14 PagesSocrates and Confucius as Educators Neither Confucius nor Socrates were regarded widely in their lifetimes as highly valuable and distinguished men. Their fates were colored with tragic hues, but their ethics have survived them and become immortalized as treasures of world culture. Socrates had a formative influence on Western philosophy, and he emphasized logical method, the meaning of human experience, and the quest for eudaimonia through moral excellence. His famous paradox, that no one does wrongRead MorePlato and Confucius4610 Words   |  19 Pagesinfluence of Jesus and Socrates’ (3). On the surface, there are many similarities between Confucius and Plato. Both taught through means of dialogue, and both expressed reticence to provide direct definitions. 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