Socrates Purpose Of Thinking In Plato's Apology

Philosophy is the ability to look deeper into life to seek out the truth. Although it is commonly studied in modern times, during the fourth century it was deemed immoral and was often punishable by death. Socrates was renowned for being the first pioneer of philosophy and famously created the thinking strategy referred to as the Socratic seminar. Although he never documented his methodology, many of his top students would write down and continue his unique procedures for understanding the world around him. Plato, one of Socrates most prominent student, recorded Socrates’s trial in the piece, “Apology”. By analyzing the deeper meaning and author’s purpose behind writing the “Apology”, one may be able to grasp a better understanding of the piece. …show more content…
Plato wrote the “Apology” to document Socrates’ trial. It was written in a way to show Socrates’ bravery regardless of his charges. Instead of fearing death, Socrates was accepting of his fate because he was interested in inquiring about what happens after the termination of life. Socrates’ calm demeanor was illustrated by Plato because throughout the piece, Socrates talks in a very relaxed and informal manner. By defending himself in a nonchalant way, Socrates tries to prove his methodology of thinking is the best. Plato highlights Socrates’s intelligence by demonstrating Socrates’s thought process behind why he questions everything. Throughout his trial, Socrates states that he gained his intelligence through an oracle at Delphi, who stated that he was the wisest of all men. By making such a bold statement, Socrates claimed that the current wise men were actually hypocrites, who were in fact ignorant. Socrates claimed to be the wisest because he recognized that he, himself knows nothing, so in return he acknowledges that he understands when he is being