What are the charges against Socrates as recorded in the Apology. Is he guilty of them? why or why not?
In Plato’s Apology, there were several charges against Socrates during his trial. The three main charges against him is his religious beliefs, corrupting the young and also his views of the Athenians. Even though there were several prosecutors and evidence to prove Socrates guilty, he guarded his ground and remained true to his philosophies. He proved many of his beliefs with evidence that will be discussed throughout this essay. However, it made the process much longer than expected for the people of Athens.
Socrates religious views were seen as unusual to the city. He did not believe in Gods of the Athenians. People before him were theocracies …show more content…
One of Socrates childhood friends, Crito, tried to persuade Socrates to getaway before his trial began. Socrates replied that he “listens to nothing … but the argument that on reflection seems best” and that “neither to do wrong or to return a wrong is ever right, not even to injure in return for an injury received” (Crito 46b, 49d), not even under threat of death (Apology 32a), not even for one’s family (Crito 54b). Words like these, according to the judge, proved that he was a corrupter of the young because of the shame brought onto his family and friends. The word choice/confidence used by Socrates to never listen to others advice but to advice unlawfully proved this to be an accusation. He encouraged his friends and even others to follow the path that he himself has chosen. This path is described as radical and …show more content…
However, I believe he can be innocent. Socrates may have different beliefs than the people in Athens, but he still believes in higher powers. He believes there is a god capable of power but the Athenians suppose otherwise. Socrates was being intentional when it came to being honest and trustworthy. He wanted to guard his ground and defend anything that does not speak of his name. The jurors are obviously agreeing with one another and gathering false information about Socrates. Socrates then defends each accusation and misinterpretations by pointing out what the jurors said. Socrates' wisdom intentionally comes off as rational. He stayed true to who he was when the jury decided a sentence to death. I believe he carried himself well and staying strong to maintain his
In Plato’s Apology, there were several charges against Socrates during his trial. The three main charges against him is his religious beliefs, corrupting the young and also his views of the Athenians. Even though there were several prosecutors and evidence to prove Socrates guilty, he guarded his ground and remained true to his philosophies. He proved many of his beliefs with evidence that will be discussed throughout this essay. However, it made the process much longer than expected for the people of Athens.
Socrates religious views were seen as unusual to the city. He did not believe in Gods of the Athenians. People before him were theocracies …show more content…
One of Socrates childhood friends, Crito, tried to persuade Socrates to getaway before his trial began. Socrates replied that he “listens to nothing … but the argument that on reflection seems best” and that “neither to do wrong or to return a wrong is ever right, not even to injure in return for an injury received” (Crito 46b, 49d), not even under threat of death (Apology 32a), not even for one’s family (Crito 54b). Words like these, according to the judge, proved that he was a corrupter of the young because of the shame brought onto his family and friends. The word choice/confidence used by Socrates to never listen to others advice but to advice unlawfully proved this to be an accusation. He encouraged his friends and even others to follow the path that he himself has chosen. This path is described as radical and …show more content…
However, I believe he can be innocent. Socrates may have different beliefs than the people in Athens, but he still believes in higher powers. He believes there is a god capable of power but the Athenians suppose otherwise. Socrates was being intentional when it came to being honest and trustworthy. He wanted to guard his ground and defend anything that does not speak of his name. The jurors are obviously agreeing with one another and gathering false information about Socrates. Socrates then defends each accusation and misinterpretations by pointing out what the jurors said. Socrates' wisdom intentionally comes off as rational. He stayed true to who he was when the jury decided a sentence to death. I believe he carried himself well and staying strong to maintain his