Who Was Socrates? -- First Assignment

     [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 words on what Winspear calls
the "unity of ideas and social struggles." Go back and read pages 24
and 25 again at this point.

     This is an historical, and at the same time a theoretical issue.
Where do ideas come from? Where do scientific or correct
ideas come from? And where do other ideas come from? 

     Explain Winspear's view. Email to me and to your group.