He believed strongly in the government's protection of civil rights and equal opportunities for all its citizens. If a government failed to do so, he called for civil disobedience. King (1986) stated that freedom must be taken from the oppressors (p. 292). His concept of meaning was formulated in the crucible of unjust laws and centered on the notion of social justice. This meant attaining freedom, dignity, and social equality for all, not just for the privileged. His advocacy of non-violent protest aligned him with Socrates, as did his subversive speech. He felt strongly that it was every person's ethical duty to stand up peacefully but powerfully against all forms of oppression, and like Socrates he was willing to face death bravely for his cause. As opposed to Aristotle and close to Socrates, he affirmed that one must work to change the material conditions of life as well as social consciousness, rather than stress endurance through hardship. Any form of injustice within society that prevented freedom, imposed inequality, or humiliated personal dignity was an obstruction to life's meaning. As King said, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere" (p. 290).
Viktor Frankl's views on meaning developed in the extreme conditions of Nazi concentration camp. He affirmed that, despite all the physical and mental stress and suffering of such conditions, a human can -- in fact must -- chose a future- and goal-oriented attitude toward life in order to find meaning. Suffering, he believed, is not necessary for meaning, but it is an opportunity to emphasize the notion that dignity, worth, and inner freedom can be achieved and held through refusal to submit to oppressive forces. Frankl (1984) writes, "It is this spiritual freedom -- which cannot be taken away -- that makes life meaningful and purposeful" (pp. 75-76). His view is close to Aristotle and Socrates, but veers from King in that it does not assert strongly that unjust conditions must end. Rather, Frankl thought that they were a test through which could come a higher meaning. (Although he does say that one can influence destiny.)
Goals key this existential freedom to decide to rise above fate, and they are unique to each individual. There is no abstract and universal...
While the judges can be considered responsible for hamartia, Socrates himself is also accountable for hamartia when considering that he plays an important role in influencing the judges in wanting to put him to death. He actually has a choice, but he is reluctant to adopt an attitude that would induce feelings related to mercy. Ethos is also a dominant concept across Socrates' discourse, as he apparently believed that by influencing
Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle are the most famous of the ancient Greek philosophers. All three of them have left a deep impact on the Western philosophy. In this paper we will look at the main points of their philosophies and the impact they left on us. Socrates (469-399 BC) Socrates was the first of the famous trio. He did not write any books and most of what we know about Socrates has
Plato, Martin Luther King and Henry David Thoreau each had widely differing ideals relating to the government, its necessity and the responsibility of citizens towards this government. These views were all closely related to each philosopher's personal ideals regarding how best to live their lives with the greatest of integrity. This also applies to life and politics today. Each individual is free to decide whether to take civil action against
He backed up the theory with empirical observation and was the first person to prove that the earth was indeed round. He observed a lunar eclipse (when the Earth casts its shadow on the moon) and noticed that the shadow of the earth on the moon was curved. As only a round object could cast a curved shadow, it could be inferred that the earth was round. (Fowler) Aristotle theorized
Plato's Theory Of The Tripartite Soul The Republic is an influential dialogue by Plato, written in the first half of the 4th century BC. This Socratic dialogue mainly concerns political philosophy and ethics. The political ideas are clarified by picturing a utopia. The Republic also contains the famous allegory of the cave, with which Plato clarifies his theory of ideal forms. The Republic, which is the standard English translation of the
Both Antigone and Creon are determined and obstinate. Both exhibit the tragic flaw of hubris, because neither one is willing to surrender his or her will. However, Creon was in the position to avert the tragic ending of the play without sacrificing much more than his pride. Antigone, on the other hand, would have lost everything she believed in and her self-respect if she humbly accepted the marriage and
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