Just as Socrates felt that it was necessary to create a tension in the mind so that individuals could rise from the bondage of myths and half-truths to the unfettered realm of creative analysis and objective appraisal, so must we see the need for nonviolent gadflies to create the kind of tension in society that will help men rise from the dark depths of prejudice and racism to the majestic heights of understanding and brotherhood.

What is King's most likely reason for comparing Socrates' ideas about tension in the mind with the tension of those who were involved in nonviolent direct action in Birmingham?

A. The uplifting goals King sought while writing in Birmingham are as relevant today as they were when Socrates wrote about in Athens.
B. The strain among opposing groups in Birmingham was similar to the creative blockades in ancient Athens, to which Socrates referred.
C. The situation in Birmingham required an appeal to city officials, which was similar to Socrates' petition for action to the Greek city-states.
D. The actions of Socrates served as an example for King of how harmony was eventually achieved among warring groups during ancient times.



Answer :

Final answer:

King compared Socrates' idea of tension in the mind to nonviolent direct action in Birmingham to highlight the transformative power of constructive tension in promoting critical thinking and societal change.


Explanation:

King's most likely reason for comparing Socrates' ideas about tension in the mind with the tension of those involved in nonviolent direct action in Birmingham is that just as Socrates believed in creating constructive tension in the mind to prompt critical thinking and analysis, King believed in using nonviolent tension in society to confront and eradicate prejudice and racism, thereby promoting understanding and unity.

Nonviolent direct action was employed by King to dramatize the issues and force communities to confront them, similar to how Socrates' approach aimed to challenge prevailing beliefs and myths through critical examination.

This comparison underscores the transformative power of tension, whether in the realm of ideas as advocated by Socrates or in societal issues as demonstrated by King's philosophy of nonviolent activism.


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