...Socrates was a great philosopher of the Greek world. He was quite an atypical and distinctive person. Being different from all the other philosophers of the land, Socrates was teaching his students ideas totally out of the ordinary from what the society believed was right. As a result, he displeased many people so much that they decided to get rid of him. Socrates was put to trial, accused of spoiling the youth of Athens, tried and sentenced to death. His personal defense is described in works two of his students: Xenophon and Plato. Both of them wrote papers called Apology, which is the Greek word for “defense”. In this essay I used Apology by Plato as the main resource, since it contents a more full account of the trial of Socrates and his words. Despite the fact that the philosopher attempted to defend himself and explain the reasons for saying and doing the things he did, it did not do any good for his justification. On the contrary, Socrates’ words seemed to make the jury harden their hearts and condemn him. The charges brought against the philosopher had nothing to do with true crime like we understand it today. He did not commit any physical or financial harm to anybody. Socrates insulted and angered many people more than any “legitimate” offense ever could. He said too many things that people around him did not like and could not forgive. One of the charges brought against him was corrupting the youth of Athens. Accordingly to the words of those who complained at...
Words: 1084 - Pages: 5
...Mission or Law In The Trial and Death of Socrates, there are multiple places in the text where Socrates could be seen as being contradicting in what he is saying. This happens particularly in the Apology where Socrates discusses how important it is to do as the gods say. This is the reason why he continued studying philosophy despite being commanded otherwise by the laws. Then in Crito, he states that it is important to follow the laws of Athens no matter what they tell you to do. This contradicts his previous statements because by following his philosophical mission, Socrates is breaking the law. During his trial in the Apology, Socrates states to the jury how much he believes in doing as the gods say which is his reasoning for being on this philosophical mission. As Socrates is speaking to the jury he tells them that if given the choice between freedom and continuing his philosophical mission he would always choose the mission. "If you said to me in this regard: 'Socrates, we do not believe Anytus now ; we acquit you, but only on the condition that you spend no more time on this investigation and do not practice philosophy, and if you are caught doing so you will die , if , as I say , you were to acquit me on those terms, I would say to you : "Gentlemen of the jury , I am grateful and I am your friend, but I will obey the god rather than you, and as long as I draw breath and am able, I shall not cease to practice philosophy" (29c-d, Apology) Socrates clearly states in the...
Words: 825 - Pages: 4
...acquaintances, and native Aristocracies. The subject of piety comes into question during the exclusive interaction that transpires between Socrates and Euthyphro during trial procession in King Archon’s Court. The beginning stages of dialogue become initiated as Socrates addresses Euthyphro to explain his interpretation of piety, where Euthyphro responds by alleging that one component of this idea involves the impeachment of sinners, regardless of acknowledging them as your father, mother, or mere acquaintance. Socrates sought to object Euthyphro’s initial statement, by deeming his assertions as insufficient for he merely identified one facet as an example of a pious act, rather than describing its all-encompassing ideals. Euthyphro then attempts to retract his previous statement by counter arguing that piety encompasses all things that are dear to the gods. Socrates sustains opposition to Euthyphro’s response, in that what the gods consider to be sacred or beloved does not reflect similar perceptive opinion from others. Inadequacies presented throughout Euthyphro’s assertions suggest that the definition Socrates is requiring shall postulate a common basis for agreement. As Socrates grants Euthyphro a third opportunity to admit his understanding of piety, he goes on to state that piety is a reflection of what the gods love and adore. Socrates appears to dispute this claim, by contending that sentiments of this nature are highly controversial and can never hold absolute justification...
Words: 310 - Pages: 2
...see dialogue on how Socrates pleads in his own self-defense. Socrates is on trial for his life because he is known as a non conformist. One important fact that must be addressed is that Socrates understood what the Athenians did not. Socrates did not believe the claim of his wisdom and was willing to disprove it. In order to do that, he decided to question three different citizens on the topic they should be knowledgeable about. Socrates also questioned the Athenians while on trial to refute the allegations brought against him. In his conversations with the Athenians, Socrates questions before and during the trial were ineffective because he was still convicted of his crime. While on trial, Socrates tells of his interactions while questioning all people of knowledge. Socrates says “where wisdom is concerned, those who...
Words: 483 - Pages: 2
...THESIS STATEMENT Socrates was accused of corrupting the youth of Athens and sentenced to die for his beliefs. He accepted this punishment because he truly thought what he believed was right. PURPOSE STATEMENT By conducting research and examining various sources, The trail of Socrates proved to be an important part in history, impacting the development of Western Philosophy and allowing the beliefs of Socrates to live on to this day. INTRODUCTION “The death of Socrates has had a huge and almost continuous impact on western culture” (Wilson 1). Socrates life, trial, and death are all important parts of history. Socrates was a philosopher in Athens who believed in using reason to explain different aspects of life. During his lifetime, he not only tried to help develop his own mind and understanding of life, but also those around him. He often tried to teach the adolescence and get them to use their minds. Socrates enjoyed teaching children because their minds were still open and they were willing to learn. However, his views varied from most of other people around him. He was put on trial because others did not care for his methods. He was eventually executed. Socrates had the courage to be different and marked the beginning of Western Philosophy. His trial was one of the first of its kind and it is the first recorded trial in which someone was sentenced to death as a result of their beliefs. “Plato tells us that Socrates compared himself to a gadfly, whose stings...
Words: 1873 - Pages: 8
...Death Over Unrighteousness In Plato’s Apology, Plato documents what occurs during Socrates’ trial, where a philosopher named Socrates was accused for being an evil-doer by simply questioning his surroundings. He defends himself in order to prove that he is innocent. But Socrates’ accusers will not accept any reason other than the one that they provided. Rather than saying that he is wrong, Socrates continues to argue for his righteousness, but then accepts that his accusers will always remain unrighteous. Socrates believes that it is better to die than to live an unrighteousness life. Rather than spending the rest of his life in a prison, Socrates does not see an issue with death, as for all he knows, it can be as equally good...
Words: 585 - Pages: 3
...Michelle Meeks 9/3/2013 PHI1010 Word Count: 460 Socrates In “The Apology” and “The Crito” Socrates argues about the importance and value of one’s self. He talks of how the greatest benefit is to be “as good and as wise as possible” and that no outcome, even death, would be more detrimental to the soul than betraying one’s own philosophy. In “The Apology,” Socrates argues that to be a good man you must be honest and put yourself before others. He states to the jury that “perhaps you think that I was convicted for lack of such words as might have convinced you. I was convicted because I lack not words but boldness and shamelessness and the willingness to say to you what you would most gladly have heard from me.” Socrates is arguing that although he could lie to the jury in order to escape his fate, to lie is “unworthy” of him. Socrates defends his argument by saying “I would much rather die after this kind of defense than live after making the other kind.” Socrates justifies that to lie his way out of death would be dishonest and to be dishonest is not something a good man would do. In “The Crito,” Socrates refuses the opportunity to escape because he believes that “the really important thing is not to live, but to live well.” Socrates examines Crito’s plan of escape and builds the ultimate argument. Socrates begins by stating that an agreement should be fulfilled. He follows by stating that laws speak the truth and to leave without the city’s permission is not fulfilling...
Words: 463 - Pages: 2
...Gorgias was to many the father of Sophism; he originated from Leontini in Sicily but is best known for the speeches he gave in Greece. Gorgias made the journey to Athens as an ambassador for the people of Leontini who were in danger of attack from the much more sizable army of Syracuse. This of course would be devastating blow for his people which gave Gorgias urgency on his mission to retrieve aid from the Greeks. Once the Athenians heard this extraordinarily talented orator weave and rhyme his words to paint a picture in a way they had never witnessed before they were shocked and awed by this new form of speech craft. Gorgias was successful on his mission to convince the Athenians to create an alliance; a mission he was more than suited for. He has been quoted saying,” I can convince anyone of anything!” this claim has become the goal of many who share his craft: the craft of Rhetoric. Rhetoric sculpted Gorgias’ view on life (the view that would birth the sophist) that through deliberation and deconstruction of both sides of an argument one could extract the truth and once found that truth may not be absolute; that truth should be driven by logic and not morals. This ideology of fluctuating truth was not well received by the Greek Philosophers who believed in an absolute truth. The most famous of these Greeks being Plato who constructed the play focusing on Gorgias and utilizing his name as a title. Plato believed that rhetoric caused chaos and injustice if not driven by a quest...
Words: 546 - Pages: 3
...Socrates was a Greek philosopher who is known to be one of the greatest founders of western philosophy. Socrates practiced philosophy by preaching in his local market place which caused the citizens of Athens and the authority to become angry towards his views and ways of spreading his philosophical thoughts. Socrates used both analytical and constructive ways to discover the general principles in philosophy. The Oracle of Delphi strongly believed that Socrates was the wisest man in all of Athens which caused Socrates to attempt to prove him wrong. Socrates tried to prove the Oracle wrong by making up his own method to finding the general principles of philosophy, which is called “the socratic method”. The socratic method is the process of...
Words: 1116 - Pages: 5
...At the beginning of Crito, Athens has just condemned Socrates to death, and he is calmly sleeping in his cell when his friend Crito arrives. Crito informs Socrates that he and his friends have a plan to break Socrates out of prison and shuttle him to safety! Except strangely, Socrates wants no part in this daring plot. An argument ensues. Crito obviously cannot understand why Socrates would want to stay and die. Crito pleads with Socrates, telling him that he doesn't want to lose a friend, and that people will think he let Socrates down if they don't escape. Socrates quickly puts that argument down, saying that it's stupid to obey the whims of public opinion. But then Crito says that given Socrates’ current predicament, it would seem that a lack of public favor can be dangerous. Socrates jumps at this comment,...
Words: 690 - Pages: 3
...This paper will argue that during “The trial and Death of Socrates”, Socrates could have given better arguments for his defense. First it will outline the prejudices or accusations Socrates has to face during his trial. It will then show how Socrates acted as tough he wanted to lose the case and finally it will conclude explaining the arguments Socrates could have given in order to be acquitted. During the first speech (18a-19b) Socrates has to overcome two different types of prejudices: the old prejudice against Socrates set by the plays of Aristophanes and the new prejudices that included impiety charged by Meletus as well as the corruption of the youth. In fact more than once is Socrates confused for someone else. Aristophanes is responsible for latter but it is reconstructed by Meletus as including both impiety and corruption and Socrates is portrayed as a corrupt teacher .the first charge of impiety also originates with Aristophanes but Meletus confuses Socrates with the atheistic Anaxagoras when he describes Socrates as seeking to study the heavens (18a) the second charge of corruption is also in Aristophanes' Clouds but confuses Socrates with Protagoras. This led to confusion (18e) of Socrates with other sophists like Gorgias, Prodicus, and Hippias. The new prejudice against Socrates really is because of the Socratic paradox (20c-21a): “he knows nothing and only in this he claims to be wise “ this paradox aroused hatred against him (21b, 23ab), even though he...
Words: 839 - Pages: 4
...The Apology The apology to me does not really feel like an apology. While Socrates addresses the audience of his accusers, he does not sound apologetic. To me, he actually sounds as though he has a higher than thou view of himself based on the oration of an oracle. While this oracle says that, he is the wisest man in all of Athens he goes around trying to disprove it, in the process inflating his ego. At this point, he starts to remind me of Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory. – I know I am smarter than you are, and I have no qualms about telling you because your stupid, we both know it and you just proved it -- Although he does claim that it was a Gods will that he do it. As stated before, an oracle said that he was the most intelligent man in the world. I understand why the people of Athens are angry and putting him on trial. I would not mind popping someone in face if they constantly walked around telling everyone they are stupid. I initially felt sorry for Socrates being out on trial, that he was wronged but it is not right, even currently to profess your intelligence in such a way that you offend and alienate everyone around you. In addition, this disproves the argument that he was an atheist. Meletus, one of his accusers, alternates in the trial between accusing him of being an atheist and accusing him of believing in new Gods rather than the Gods of the state. He claims that Socrates did not believe in the Gods, which could not be validated; if one is walking around...
Words: 800 - Pages: 4
...Critical Analysis of The Apology of Socrates by Plato Socrates was an orator and philosopher whose primary interests were logic, ethics and epistemology. In Plato’s Apology of Socrates, Plato recounts the speech that Socrates gave shortly before his death, during the trial in 399 BC in which he was charged with "corrupting the young, and by not believing in the gods in whom the city believes, also being a busybody and intervene gods business". The name of the work itself is not mean what it is appeared; here, Socrates is not apologizing, but merely speaking in defense of his beliefs and actions – the word apology is used in the context of its original meaning. During this apology, Socrates attempts to explain himself and the decisions that led to his action, educating his audience in the philosophical questions he chooses to pose. Socrates does not try to avoid death in the trial; instead, his goal is to enlighten the public for the last time before his own passing. Socrates was always fascinated with the solving of questions, both big and small; his approach was to use the Socratic method of inquiry, wherein he would break the problem down into several questions, and then systematically find the answers to each question in order to find the larger answer. It was a methodical and practical approach to show his ultimate quest for seeking the true knowledge. He says, "His wisdom is truly worthless"; this is indicative of his unending search for more and more knowledge (Apology...
Words: 2091 - Pages: 9
...Socrates, seen to be the father of Greek Philosophy, and his unjust death have influenced Western Philosophy greatly, allowing him to appear as something resembling a hero today. Socrates was put on trial in 399BC in Athens, Greece for impiety (asebeia) and for corrupting the youth. Some suppose Socrates’ death, at age 70, was politically motivated as Athens was trying to disassociate itself with those involved with the Thirty Tyrants, led by Critias who was a student of Socrates. Also, before being put on trial Socrates had aggravated many powerful politicians by exposing their ignorance, so his death may be seen as revenge. Socrates’ friend, Chaerephon, asked the omniscient Oracle of Delphi if there was any man wiser than Socrates and when the priestess replied that there wasn’t, Socrates made it his mission to prove the Oracle wrong. Socrates was puzzled as to why the Oracle had said he was the wisest man as he knew that she could not lie, but according to...
Words: 1011 - Pages: 5
...Socrates was a very well known, controversial philosopher who lived in Athens during a transitional period in their democratic government. This transition was due to their loss in the Peloponnesian War to the Spartans whose form of government was a peculiar militaristic system headed by monarchs and aristocrats. The Spartan government had more control over the lives of their citizens than what the Athenians were accustomed to, therefore the Athenians continued to practice democracy. However, many high-class Athenians admired the Spartan militaristic way of governing and used their influence as well as Spartan support to attempt to institute an oligarchy in Athens, failing with each attempt. In spite of the failed coup attempts Sparta installed an overshadowing troop in Athens who worked to narrow its democratic scope....
Words: 653 - Pages: 3
