The Morality of the Examined Life

This week in class, we delved into a philosophical inquiry that has intrigued thinkers for centuries: Is an examined life the only morally worthwhile life? This question, rooted in the teachings of Socrates as recorded by Plato in *Apology*, serves as the foundation for our first argumentative essay. In addition to exploring these classical texts, we were guided in crafting our essays through Lewis Vaughn’s “Defending a Thesis in an Argumentative Essay.” Lastly, Plato’s *Euthyphro* provided an exemplar of logical discourse, crucial for constructing sound arguments.

Socrates and the Examined Life

In *Apology*, Socrates presents his defense against allegations of impiety and corrupting the youth. Contrary to the implications of its title, Socrates does not seek forgiveness but rather justifies his actions as aligned with divine will. The oracle at Delphi proclaimed Socrates the wisest of men, a claim he contested by examining others reputed for their wisdom. Through dialogues with politicians, poets, and artisans, Socrates exposed their ignorance, inevitably making enemies and culminating in his trial and death sentence. His famous assertion that "the unexamined life is not worth living" is central to his defense, suggesting that the pursuit of self-awareness and virtue surpasses the mere act of living. This declaration posits that an examined life, characterized by critical self-reflection and philosophical inquiry, is essential for moral existence.

Logical Examination in Euthyphro

Plato's *Euthyphro* offers a practical demonstration of Socratic examination. Here, Socrates engages Euthyphro in a dialogue about the nature of piety, prompted by Euthyphro’s intent to prosecute his father for murder. The dialogue scrutinizes Euthyphro's definitions of piety, revealing inconsistencies and prompting deeper reflection. This iterative process of questioning and refining beliefs exemplifies the essence of an examined life. It is not merely about questioning for its own sake but seeking a philosophically sound understanding of ethical concepts. The dialogue illustrates how examination fosters moral clarity and intellectual humility, crucial components of a life worth living.

Crafting the Argumentative Essay

According to Vaughn, writing an argumentative essay parallels the scientific method: select a topic, conduct thorough research, form a thesis, outline arguments, and engage in drafting and revision. A coherent structure within paragraphs is essential, with each argument supported by logical reasoning. Vaughn advocates for a dynamic interchange between arguments and counterarguments, ensuring a balanced and comprehensive discussion. This method is exemplified in Kathleen Moore’s essay, “Should Relatively Affluent People Help the Poor?” where she systematically addresses potential objections to her thesis, reinforcing the robustness of her argument.

Conclusion: The Value of Examination

The philosophical journey this week underscored the significance of an examined life, both in theory and practice. Socrates’ unwavering commitment to self-reflection and ethical inquiry serves as a timeless reminder that moral worth is intrinsically linked to the pursuit of wisdom and truth. By engaging critically with these classical texts and employing rigorous argumentative techniques, we learn that an examined life is not only morally worthwhile but also intellectually enriching. As aspiring philosophers, the challenge is to apply these principles, ensuring our arguments are as insightful and compelling as those of the thinkers we study.

Sources

• Plato. *Apology*. Translated by Benjamin Jowett. The Internet Archive, 2009. http://classics.mit.edu/Plato/apology.
• Plato. *Euthyphro*. Translated by Benjamin Jowett. The Internet Archive, 2009. http://classics.mit.edu/Plato/euthyfro.
• Vaughn, Lewis. *Writing Philosophy*. Oxford, 2005. Chapter IV

In revising this essay, we have aimed to address the feedback by providing a clear thesis, enhancing the argumentative structure, and ensuring coherence throughout. By expanding on the philosophical underpinnings and including practical examples, the essay aspires to meet a higher academic standard.

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