Reading Response: The Apology
Analysis
“Why does Socrates believe himself to be innocent?” The Apology is a record of Socrates defense to his jurors who had charged him with impiety. When taken before the court, a major part of his defense, is that the Oracle at Delphi proclaims him to be the wisest man alive. Later the Oracle gives the reason that he is wise explaining “He, O men, is the wisest, who, like Socrates, knows that his wisdom is in truth worth nothing.”. While this statement is a interesting philosophical point, and one that will be discussed later, for now this paper will ask “How does that philosophical point pertain to his innocence?”
Socrates claims to be wise, and his basis for saying so is, paradoxically, that he did not …show more content…
Why does he feel it necessary to introduce his argument by telling them that “Only God is wise”? Assuming that this is indeed the form of argumentation that he is making, there are at least three possible reasons that he chooses to introduce his argument in this way. First, presenting his argument as a paradox within a narrative is rhetorically superior to merely saying “I am either wise or a fool”. Second, he is concerned that his hearers have a proper understanding of the what wisdom is. Without that understanding, it would be difficult to understand his argument. Lastly, it gives Socrates an opportunity to clear his name. This premise is supported when he says, “I am going to explain to you why I have such an evil name.” Socrates makes use of all three of these when presenting his case. He used rhetoric to clear his name and explain what he believed true wisdom to look …show more content…
If humanity did not have scripture, everyone would be without certainty. People would be able to know some truths, like there is a God, and they are accountable to Him, but they would be missing the Gospel. Deuteronomy 29:29 says “The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law”. God has given us scripture and made us accountable to it. We must look to it for wisdom. God is the only ultimate source of wisdom. Questions
• Why does Socrates believe himself to be innocent?
• What is his argument in the trial?
• Does Socrates present a valid argument?
• Is Socrates making an argument for everyone for all of time, or for just himself?
• Why does Socrates base his argument on a
Analysis
“Why does Socrates believe himself to be innocent?” The Apology is a record of Socrates defense to his jurors who had charged him with impiety. When taken before the court, a major part of his defense, is that the Oracle at Delphi proclaims him to be the wisest man alive. Later the Oracle gives the reason that he is wise explaining “He, O men, is the wisest, who, like Socrates, knows that his wisdom is in truth worth nothing.”. While this statement is a interesting philosophical point, and one that will be discussed later, for now this paper will ask “How does that philosophical point pertain to his innocence?”
Socrates claims to be wise, and his basis for saying so is, paradoxically, that he did not …show more content…
Why does he feel it necessary to introduce his argument by telling them that “Only God is wise”? Assuming that this is indeed the form of argumentation that he is making, there are at least three possible reasons that he chooses to introduce his argument in this way. First, presenting his argument as a paradox within a narrative is rhetorically superior to merely saying “I am either wise or a fool”. Second, he is concerned that his hearers have a proper understanding of the what wisdom is. Without that understanding, it would be difficult to understand his argument. Lastly, it gives Socrates an opportunity to clear his name. This premise is supported when he says, “I am going to explain to you why I have such an evil name.” Socrates makes use of all three of these when presenting his case. He used rhetoric to clear his name and explain what he believed true wisdom to look …show more content…
If humanity did not have scripture, everyone would be without certainty. People would be able to know some truths, like there is a God, and they are accountable to Him, but they would be missing the Gospel. Deuteronomy 29:29 says “The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law”. God has given us scripture and made us accountable to it. We must look to it for wisdom. God is the only ultimate source of wisdom. Questions
• Why does Socrates believe himself to be innocent?
• What is his argument in the trial?
• Does Socrates present a valid argument?
• Is Socrates making an argument for everyone for all of time, or for just himself?
• Why does Socrates base his argument on a