[Preface: I'm assigning Alban D. Winspear with Tom Silverberg, Who Was Socrates?, despite the fact that it was published first in 1940, because it is the best short introduction to philosophy -- not just to Greek philosophy -- and its social origins, that I have ever found; and because I have permission from Prof. Winspear's widow and from Dr. Silverberg (a retired physician in New York City when I last spoke to him over a decade ago) to reproduce this book for use in my classes. I used to use photocopies, which cost $3 apiece. Thanks to the Worldwide Web, you can now get it for the cost of printing it out. - GF]
Read, very carefully, Part I of Who Was Socrates?, from the beginning to page 32. Go to the Table of Contents here.
Do NOT be intimidated by some difficulty in understanding these important concepts. Read and reread the more difficult parts. (You may not find it difficult at all).
Remember: Winspear is discussing the social origins of thought and philosophy.
Your writing assignment is based upon Part I, third section (Original: pages 26 to 32). But you will NEVER understand this, and what comes after it, without studying the first parts carefully first.
Study this section. Then, write 300-350 words on what Winspear calls the "unity of ideas and social struggles." Go back and read pages 24 and 25 again at this point.
Use the page numbers that I have put in slanted brackets, like this
/ 25 /
If you do, we can all find the same passages easily enough.
This is an historical, and at the same time a theoretical issue:
Explain Winspear's view. Write 300-350 words. Email to me and to your group.