Socrates: Was Socrates Guilty As Charged?

Was Socrates guilty as charged?"
Socrates, an ancient Greek philosopher, is linked with Western systems of logic and philosophy. At an early age, he served in the hoplite-ancient Greek infantry, and later devoted his life to philosophy. His rather unique perspective and wisdom in philosophy attracted friends and enemies at the same time. Socrates metaphorically was the gadfly that stung the horse- Athenian state. And from his brilliant debates accustomed with truthfulness and honesty that all stemmed from an oracle in Delphi, he laid bare the false wisdom of politicians, craftsmen and poets. It is from this very course charges against Socrates followed as explained in the following sections of this essay. In addition, I will address any objection …show more content…
. .villainous misleader of youth. . .”. This was a punishable crime during this time, and the political class feared the younger generation would grow up elevated in thoughts or rather become political deviants. In his defense, he said that, he does not take their money, “. . .my poverty is my evidence.” Socrates rebuked his accusers of persuading the jurors with chronic lies and repeating ready-made charges. He also said, during his investigative philosophical debates, youthful Greek aristocrats witnessed the perceived wise man being examined and imitated Socrates. This in part and the fact that Socrates challenged the wisdom of poets, craftsmen and politicians resulted to rancorous alliance to halt his progress. Was Socrates a victim of political in-fighting then? The ideas, proceedings and ultimate judgement had a political hand all stemming from Socrates criticism to the political class, poets, and craftsmen through his philosophical engagements. Socrates was found guilty with a narrow margin, but his proposal for penalty added insult to injury. He also rejected prison and exile, offering perhaps instead to pay a fine. The judge rejected his suggestion and sentenced him to death and with a philosophical statement, Socrates accepted the judgement saying that only the gods know what happens after death and so it would be foolish to fear what one does not know. Further, is there a true measure of guilt or innocence in Socrates’ case? From the perspective of an Athenian on the day of trial, Socrates was guilty as charged. However, Socrates was rather a thorn in the flesh to politicians and the aristocrats and charges of impiety and corrupting the youth was meant to tame his philosophical influence to the younger aristocrats including Plato-the writer of apology. However, through Plato, the writer of apology, the effect of Socrates’ philosophical thoughts reveals the rot in the Greek democracy. His