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Discussion Post

The idea that an 'unexamined' life is not worth living was a popular dictum during the time of Socrates. The phrase originated from Socrates during his 399 BC in a trial for his impiety and corruption. The major controversy revolved around the fact that Socrates refused to honor gods that were commonly acknowledged in the community, and instead opted to introduce different sects. During his trial, he chose for death instead of being banished from society; this was his meaning when he said it is better to live an 'examined' life. It implies that the pursuit of justice and freedom is rigorous. His 'examined' life was a lesson to others who should be standing championing for their rights (and for their follow kinsmen) to respects gods that they wanted and even partake in political and social matters on different perspectives as they wished.

Socrates' view of 'examined' life ties well with Plato’s description of the philosophical life in the Phaedo in that a true philosopher should look up to death (Famakinwa). As such, both Socrates and the philosophy...