Socrates Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Socrates - Essay Example Socrates was truly one of the few philosophers in history to make a significant attempt to question and fundamentally change the methods and paradigms of philosophical examination. Although most of our current knowledge of Socrates comes down to us from second-hand sources, the nature of Socrates’ life as a man and as a philosopher seem to shine as brightly for any one man in throughout the course of history (Nails). Socrates’ trial and death seemingly mark the birth of philosophy—with his influence stretching far beyond the boundaries of the tradition. Socrates, as the founder of a grand tradition, exemplifies a life to many which is paradigmatic for the contemplative rational being. It is to this grand figure that we now turn an explorative eye, in order to grasp the truth about the man and the philosopher. The question is whether one must know the man first to get to know the philosopher, or to know the philosopher first to get to know the man. The arguments for either approach are compelling: in one respect, Socrates was a human being completely devoted to a life of contemplation and a search for truth—thus making him fundamentally a philosopher. But, as Aristotle would say, the existence of a philosopher is predicated of the existence of man, for without there being a man, there would be no philosopher. Accordingly, we will follow the second approach: to broach the topic of Socratic philosophy from the backside—getting straight the facts of Socrates’ life, and then moving on to the facts which define his contributions to philosophy as a whole. According to Socrates, and fellow critics, the governance of Athens had become crooked and disgracefully inept—in stark contrast to the Age of Pericles only a few years before. â€Å"Philosophical† quarrels had become mere demagoguery: ploys to convince others; aspirations for political power slowly supplanted justice.

The influence of business tycoons such as Andrew Carnegie, John D Research Paper

The influence of business tycoons such as Andrew Carnegie, John D. Rockefeller, Jay Gould, and J.P. Morgan on modern history, Economy, and American lifestyle - Research Paper Example Until today, the economy and the living standards of people in the country are better than other countries. Andrew Carnegie supported Booker T Washington by giving money to an institute called Tuskegee, which was founded by Washington. American history celebrates the live of Carnegie, which transformed from a person who never owned a dime to a person who lead financial empires of great power. Currently, the individuals in American still remember Carnegie and the way he influenced the lives of Americans and the economy of the country. The kind of corporate that he was dealing with is the steel industry. He started the industry in the year 1865 and when he died, he was a multimillionaire like the other tycoons. Before becoming rich, he was running errands for a telegraph office. After the time of relatively unrestrained capitalism, the tycoon in steel had made great development of a powerful financial system that some individuals enjoyed (Net Industries). The rapid economic development made by the tycoon laid a foundation for the modern economic growth of the United States. Together with other tycoons, many discoveries were made during their era. Still today businesspersons follow their paths by being single minded when pursing financial achievements and power (Net Industries). The tycoon played a great role in the creation of the modern America. Because of him and others like him, he made the country to be the wealthiest and a country with a lot of creativity as far as business is concerned. The man was very determined in raising the economy by making America to be a state that actively participates in the economy. This was not happening before the tycoons’ time (Net Industries). The tycoon actions in the past still affect the American, lifestyle today. As a pioneering philanthropist, he has had major influence of the lives of many individuals. Since he helped in upgrading the financial system of the state, individuals in America have