Socrate's First Accusers and Athenian Law
Of all confrontations in political philosophy, the biggest is the conflict
between philosophy and politics. The problem remains making philosophy friendly
to politics. The questioning of authoritative opinions is not easily
accomplished nor is that realm of philosophy - the pursuit of wisdom. Socrates
was the instigator of the conflict. While the political element takes place
within opinions about political life, Socrates asks the question "What is the
best regime and how should I live?" Ancient thought is riddled with unknowns
and can make no such statement as "how should I live." The Socratic philosophy
offers an alternative and prepares the way for the alternative of absolutes.
This alternative is not without its faults. Socratic philosophy is plagued by a
destructive element. It reduces the authoritative opinions about political life
but replaces it with nothing. This is the vital stem from which the "Apology
of Socrates" is written.......
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