Good in Theory: A Political Philosophy Podcast 3 - Plato's Apology 3: Not-So-Dangerous Minds
May 25, 2020
Delve into the reasons Athenians wanted to silence Socrates, exploring impiety, sacred objects and social values. Examine how Socrates' impious beliefs led to his prosecution and the potential dangers of philosophy in questioning shared social values. Discover the argument against skepticism as a reason for silencing people and the political context in Athens. Also, hear about the incident of vandalism with religious lucky charms in ancient Athens.
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Outrage Over Sacred Violations
- People naturally feel outrage when something sacred to them is disrespected, making the desire to silence others a common reaction.
- Modern societies protect freedom of religion and reject impiety as a legal reason for censorship, reflecting diverse views of what is sacred.
Socrates' Impious Beliefs Explored
- Socrates held some unusual religious beliefs, like the idea that gods are rational and just, unlike traditional Greek views.
- Despite these heterodox ideas, Athens likely did not convict him merely for impiety, given their relatively tolerant approach to religion.
Philosophy's Threat to Social Values
- Philosophy can destabilize society by questioning shared values, leading to skepticism and potential moral anarchy.
- This skepticism argument was likely used historically to justify silencing thinkers like Socrates to protect societal order.