In the Apology by Plato, the dialogue examines the discourse that takes place when Socrates is brought into court to defend himself upon the Athenians entering the defense as someone who has not mastered the art of rhetoric employed by so many Politicians. Socrates is accused of: Corrupting the youth, studying things in the heavens and below the earth, not believing in the gods of the city, and making a worse argument into a better one. The three main accusers of Socrates are: Meletus (on behalf of the poets,) Anytus (on behalf of the Craftsmen,) and Lycon (on behalf of the Rhetoricians.) He begins by summing up an affidavit of his accusers as the following, “Socrates is an evil-doer, and a curious person, who searches into things under the earth and in heaven, and he makes the worse appear the better cause; and he teaches the aforesaid doctrines to others.” (The Apology, Plato) In order for Socrates to defend himself against these charges, he asks that he be listened to without any judgement and only be seen as a mere stranger and nothing more than this. He asks not to be interrupted by anyone while performing his discourse; declaring to state the entire truth. Socrates begins by stating that there are two types of wisdom. That of which is “only wisdom,” (which he believes to obtain) and the other of which is a “superhuman wisdom.” (which he believes the sophists obtain.) He cannot describe the superhuman wisdom because he openly admits that he does not attain a wisdom of such. The God of Delphi explains the wisdom that Socrates attains. A god is the divine truth and a god cannot lie; which is also known as a source that is credible. Chaerephon, who is an early friend of Socrates and also a friend of the Athens, went to Delphi to ask a question to the oracle. He asked if there was any man wiser than Socrates and the Pythian prophets answered that there was no man wiser. Although Chaerephon was no longer alive during the testimony which was made of him by Socrates, he assured the information could be confirmed by the brother who appeared to be in court. The reason is simply to explain to the court why he has such an evil name placed upon himself if a god cannot lie. Socrates received this news as an impossible statement and dedicated himself to find a man wiser than him to refute with the god. So, he examined three particular groups of in Athens whose members often claimed to be wise or have knowledge. These three groups were the: Politicians, Poets, and the Artisans each of which carried a special reputation for their craft. Neither of the three groups were able to prove to Socrates of a wisdom that was higher than his own. Socrates came to the conclusion that the Oracle is correct. For Socrates, at least, did not claim to know what he did not know. What he knew was that he was ignorant, whereas those Athenians who thought themselves wise, were ignorant of their ignorance. Socrates calls forth Meletus, his main accuser, and questions him about the charges he has laid upon him. Socrates engages himself in a baiting with Meletus as he tries to convince him of his confusion about the true meaning behind teaching such virtue while also mentioning that his accusations of being atheist and of inventing new gods are in fact, falsey. The jury finds Socrates guilty. Socrates is given an opportunity to propose his sentence. In this, he states he wishes to continue his practices stating that he holds a responsibility to Apollo. If death is a fear, he presumes not to know what will happen after death. By his claim, he shows no fear of death implying again that he shall not show fear if he knows nothing of the aftermath. In getting rid of Socrates, he claims the Athens will lose such a valuable service he has to offer. The jury condemns Socrates to death. Socrates informs the men of the Athens, who he now refers to as his murderers, that such a conclusion of execution will not affect him, for Socrates shall not fear the outcome of his death. In fact, it is them who fear the wise figure, Socrates, as he continues to explain that the men of Athens who were not prepared for such a figure. They did not act upon in a godly manner, rather they decided to get rid of Socrates out of their own fear for his true potential. The youth shall now be corrupted without the guidance of Socrates and he shall continue to live in the aftermath of death. The life of Socrates has been long lived as his age is getting closer to his death. Though, he feels the Athens should have given him more time.
1 comment:
Do you believe if Socrates refuted these accusations his sentence would have differed and we would not analyze Plato’s writings as in depth? Due to the fact he did not argue about corrupting the youth and so forth it allowed the court to pin these accusations against him without having to fight for them to stick. Furthermore, Socrates knowledge and philosophies continue to this day, like he said they would because we are still reflecting upon many of Plato’s writings such as, ‘Apology’. At the end you say how Socrates feels like the Athens should have given him more time, I find that interesting because he made sure the court was to treat his as a simple man with no special treatment. Overall I found this to be extremely interesting view on Apology, good job!
Post a Comment