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Plato's Apology Definition Essay

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Part 1: Definitions and Examples 1. Epistemology- can be defined as the breaking down and interpretation of knowledge • Example: In the Euthyphro, Socrates questions what the meaning of piety is, and why certain actions are pious. 2. Metaphysics- defined as the study of the (and the breaking down of reality into) different categories of reality • Example: Hobbes claimed that all things must be material in nature, a result of them having physical presence in the world (materialism). 3. Ethics- the study/assessment of morality (what is moral and what is immoral) • Example: Are we justified in administering the death penalty to criminals? Is it justified to lie about your actions if there will be no effect on others in doing so? 4. A Priori- justification …show more content…

Plato’s Apology- In Plato’s apology, Socrates is being tried for impiety against the gods. He attempts to prove to the jury of his peers that his devotion to philosophy is not meant to disprove the existence of the gods, but to piously follow them by bettering himself and all others around him. 9. Nicomachean Ethics, Book 1- Every action is done to achieve some form of good, and the greatest good/most ultimate end achievable is happiness. Happiness is our natural function. 10. Genealogy of Morals, Essay 1- Nietzsche questions the origin of our established values, claiming that where they came from must be evaluated. He believes that the values humans hold became reactionary, with the original reasons for those values being good getting lost over time (the true meaning being lost) Part 3: Short …show more content…

Ethical reflection is established upon questioning the meaning behind, or source of, various concepts of morality, as well as assessing their different functions. In Nietzsche’s Genealogy of Morals, ethical reflection can be seen in the form of questioning the origin of established values. This is particularly important in relation to my own concept of ethical reflection because it shows that Nietzsche is attempting to study deeper into the heart of what makes our values moral or immoral (innately good, or externally motivated). Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics does well at considering the intent behind our actions. In this text, Aristotle establishes that happiness is the ultimate end which we all seek. He goes on to explain that to define what true happiness is, we must first understand what function we have as humans. This in-depth analysis of happiness at its roots solidifies my belief that ethical reflection requires you to also question what purpose any given concept of morality has to

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