Final answer:
The statement attributed to Socrates is false; his actual quote is "The life which is unexamined is not worth living," reflecting his philosophy that self-examination and reasoning are essential to a worthy life.
Step-by-step explanation:
The claim that Socrates reportedly said "an unlived life is not worth examining" is false. The actual Socratic quote, as recorded by Plato, is "The life which is unexamined is not worth living." This quote encapsulates Socrates' belief in the importance of living a life filled with self-examination and philosophical inquiry. We understand from Plato's works that Socrates valued consistency, justification, and reason in one's beliefs. He urged people to live an examined life, which stands in opposition to living according to untested and unjustified beliefs. Socrates' approach motivated his own life choices, leading to his preference for a philosophical life over avoiding the sentence of death. He believed harm to one's character was a greater tragedy than death itself because it meant living without virtue or understanding, which were central to the life he advocated.