I was one of the people who watched Socrates’s trial to witness his defense against accusers Meletus, Anytus, Lycon and Athenian jurors. He was accused of not believing in Gods recognized by the State and corrupting the young people of Athens. Although the verdict did not save his life and I do not agree with him in many aspects, his plea in the trial contains lots of good points worth discussing.
One of the deep discussions held between Meletus and Socrates was about the argument that Socrates was trying to have a bad influence upon young minds intentionally. During the trial, Meletus accepted the fact that evil people do harm other people and good people have good effects on others. In response to this, Socrates asked “Is there anyone who …show more content…
Although Meletus asserted that Socrates does not believe in no gods at all, it is verified by a Pythian priestess that god Apollo declared Socrates as the wisest man. Socrates said he devoted his life to prove this prophecy and show people who are known to be wise are, in fact not wise at all. As a loyal believer of all gods and the children of gods, I know that we ought to believe in priests and priestess who are representative of gods. I have no doubt that Socrates was the wisest man announced by Apollo but what he has done in Athens for years was not a command from god. Socrates questioned lots of politicians, craftsmen and artists who have some wisdom and at least particular knowledge at some fields. He called this mission as “divine duty”, but we may never know Apollo really wanted him to use his wisdom for this purpose. Apollo’s announcement about his wisdom will not save Socrates after his death from being questioned about how he used his wisdom. But the fact that Socrates has never got any profit, any money from his wisdom made me think the possible reasons behind his actions. He …show more content…
Surprisingly, the jury sentenced him to death. I believe that death penalty is not acceptable for a weak man whose wisdom is blessed by god Apollo. If the verdict is fair and finalized with the laws of Athens, do our laws serve on behalf of people questioned by Socrates?
Henceforth I recognized that the verdict is given before the trial has begun and wise people questioned by Socrates would like to get rid of him despite his apologia, I understood that the ones who corrupt the young minds are actually ones who believe in money, glory and rank – the real unbelievers- I hope Socrates’s unfair execution will help the Athenian people to realize for which virtues this life worth living. I will never forget the following statement of Socrates which may apply to all societies and community leaders at the future:
“If you expect to stop denunciation of your wrong way of life by putting people to death, there is something amiss with your reasoning. This way of escape is neither possible nor creditable; the best and easiest way is not to stop the mouths of others, but to make yourselves as well behaved as
One of the deep discussions held between Meletus and Socrates was about the argument that Socrates was trying to have a bad influence upon young minds intentionally. During the trial, Meletus accepted the fact that evil people do harm other people and good people have good effects on others. In response to this, Socrates asked “Is there anyone who …show more content…
Although Meletus asserted that Socrates does not believe in no gods at all, it is verified by a Pythian priestess that god Apollo declared Socrates as the wisest man. Socrates said he devoted his life to prove this prophecy and show people who are known to be wise are, in fact not wise at all. As a loyal believer of all gods and the children of gods, I know that we ought to believe in priests and priestess who are representative of gods. I have no doubt that Socrates was the wisest man announced by Apollo but what he has done in Athens for years was not a command from god. Socrates questioned lots of politicians, craftsmen and artists who have some wisdom and at least particular knowledge at some fields. He called this mission as “divine duty”, but we may never know Apollo really wanted him to use his wisdom for this purpose. Apollo’s announcement about his wisdom will not save Socrates after his death from being questioned about how he used his wisdom. But the fact that Socrates has never got any profit, any money from his wisdom made me think the possible reasons behind his actions. He …show more content…
Surprisingly, the jury sentenced him to death. I believe that death penalty is not acceptable for a weak man whose wisdom is blessed by god Apollo. If the verdict is fair and finalized with the laws of Athens, do our laws serve on behalf of people questioned by Socrates?
Henceforth I recognized that the verdict is given before the trial has begun and wise people questioned by Socrates would like to get rid of him despite his apologia, I understood that the ones who corrupt the young minds are actually ones who believe in money, glory and rank – the real unbelievers- I hope Socrates’s unfair execution will help the Athenian people to realize for which virtues this life worth living. I will never forget the following statement of Socrates which may apply to all societies and community leaders at the future:
“If you expect to stop denunciation of your wrong way of life by putting people to death, there is something amiss with your reasoning. This way of escape is neither possible nor creditable; the best and easiest way is not to stop the mouths of others, but to make yourselves as well behaved as