Socrates was arguably one of the most influential Greek philosophers within ancient history. From his great intellect came the reputation of being the father of western philosophy. Socrates spread his knowledge to many students, the most famous being Plato. Plato is the author of The Trial and Death of Socrates in which four dialogues describe Socrates’s final chapter in life. Through these dialogues it is often questioned whether Socrates was responsible for his own death at the hand of two accusations: not believing in the gods and corrupting the youth. Through careful analysis of Socrates’s language and actions one can determine whether or not Socrates was guilty of causing his own death as well. Therefore, the following essay argues that
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Within this dialogue Socrates is having an intellectual conversation with Euthyphro before he faces his accusers. Euthyphro is a religious man that is knowledgeable about holy and just things so Socrates begins to question him about one of his accusations: impiety. Socrates states, “I want you to tell me what part of justice is piety or holiness; that I may be able to tell Meletus not to do me injustice, or indict me for impiety” (Plato, 13). From this is may be assumed that he wanted to actively learn so that he can be prepared to defend himself; however, when Socrates and Euthyphro begin discussing this, Socrates continuously questions Euthyphro. He does this to such an extent that Euthyphro eventually gives up his explanation. After this Socrates then states, “I was hoping that you would instruct me in the nature of piety and impiety, so that I might have cleared myself of Meletus and his indictment” (Plato, 17). This can be seen as evidence towards the fact that Socrates is responsible for his own death because if he truly wished to win his case against his accuser he would have listened to Euthyphro. His words can even be taken as sarcastic and even …show more content…
Socrates comes for one of his main accusers Meletus about his accusation. Within this debate about what Socrates is guilty of, Socrates ends up making Meletus contradict himself (Plato, 25). While his victory can be seen as attempting to save his own life, Socrates follows this conversation with extreme cockiness stating that he is arguing for the sake of Athens and not himself (Plato, 31). By doing this he is making himself stand out and claiming to be smarter than Athenians, putting him back into an unfavorable light with the court. The court votes and Socrates is surprised that it is in his favor. It is then that he makes the suggestion that he should be rewarded by being housed in the Prytaneum since he has never “intentionally done anything wrong” (Plato, 36). It is obvious here that he wants to be responsible for his own death. Suggesting he get amazing treatment when he is on trial is guaranteeing he will be voted against. Socrates is not ignorant, he knows fully that by suggesting this he will be voted to be put to death and he eventually is by re vote (Plato, 40). After he is sentenced to death, he contemplates death and states “...there is great reason that death is good” (Plato, 40). Socrates believes that death is one of two options: a state of nothingness or migration of the soul from this world to another. Like a true philosopher, the final statement he gives in court is “The
Within this dialogue Socrates is having an intellectual conversation with Euthyphro before he faces his accusers. Euthyphro is a religious man that is knowledgeable about holy and just things so Socrates begins to question him about one of his accusations: impiety. Socrates states, “I want you to tell me what part of justice is piety or holiness; that I may be able to tell Meletus not to do me injustice, or indict me for impiety” (Plato, 13). From this is may be assumed that he wanted to actively learn so that he can be prepared to defend himself; however, when Socrates and Euthyphro begin discussing this, Socrates continuously questions Euthyphro. He does this to such an extent that Euthyphro eventually gives up his explanation. After this Socrates then states, “I was hoping that you would instruct me in the nature of piety and impiety, so that I might have cleared myself of Meletus and his indictment” (Plato, 17). This can be seen as evidence towards the fact that Socrates is responsible for his own death because if he truly wished to win his case against his accuser he would have listened to Euthyphro. His words can even be taken as sarcastic and even …show more content…
Socrates comes for one of his main accusers Meletus about his accusation. Within this debate about what Socrates is guilty of, Socrates ends up making Meletus contradict himself (Plato, 25). While his victory can be seen as attempting to save his own life, Socrates follows this conversation with extreme cockiness stating that he is arguing for the sake of Athens and not himself (Plato, 31). By doing this he is making himself stand out and claiming to be smarter than Athenians, putting him back into an unfavorable light with the court. The court votes and Socrates is surprised that it is in his favor. It is then that he makes the suggestion that he should be rewarded by being housed in the Prytaneum since he has never “intentionally done anything wrong” (Plato, 36). It is obvious here that he wants to be responsible for his own death. Suggesting he get amazing treatment when he is on trial is guaranteeing he will be voted against. Socrates is not ignorant, he knows fully that by suggesting this he will be voted to be put to death and he eventually is by re vote (Plato, 40). After he is sentenced to death, he contemplates death and states “...there is great reason that death is good” (Plato, 40). Socrates believes that death is one of two options: a state of nothingness or migration of the soul from this world to another. Like a true philosopher, the final statement he gives in court is “The