In the Apology, Socrates displayed many virtuous characteristics, though he could at times be taken as either rude or arrogant. Among his virtues was that he sought to impulse the spiritual development of his listeners, as stated in his argument to the Athenians: “as long as I have breath and power I will not cease from philosophy, and from exhorting you and setting forth the truth to any of you whom I meet” (qtd. in Perry 51). Accordingly, his persistent questioning of authorities does not seek to humiliate them but rather to teach them how to lead a good life.
Socrates also, in his own words, “knew nothing, and knew that he knew nothing: they (the politicians, poets, and craftsmen) knew little or nothing, and imagined that they knew all things” (3), hence he considered himself to have been sent by the god Apollo to instruct people into wisdom. The way he carried out his alleged mission might have been misinterpreted by many, which resulted in a case against …show more content…
To better explain his reasons, Socrates argues that a man cannot seek a greater good than being able to “discuss human excellence” and that “an unexamined life is not worth living” (qtd. in Perry 52). He also marks a precedent by stating that “virtue does not come from wealth, but wealth and every other good, whether public or private, which men have, come from virtue” (qtd. in Perry 52). Socratic philosophy is then based on the concept that in order to live a good life, one must have a strong knowledge of the self. It is by exercising that knowledge that one can seek to obtain arête (moral virtue, excellence), which in turn will translate in a more meaningful existence. Contrary to his accusers, at least according to Plato’s version of the story, Socrates looks deeper for meaning in the universe and is able to make his weakest arguments seem
Socrates also, in his own words, “knew nothing, and knew that he knew nothing: they (the politicians, poets, and craftsmen) knew little or nothing, and imagined that they knew all things” (3), hence he considered himself to have been sent by the god Apollo to instruct people into wisdom. The way he carried out his alleged mission might have been misinterpreted by many, which resulted in a case against …show more content…
To better explain his reasons, Socrates argues that a man cannot seek a greater good than being able to “discuss human excellence” and that “an unexamined life is not worth living” (qtd. in Perry 52). He also marks a precedent by stating that “virtue does not come from wealth, but wealth and every other good, whether public or private, which men have, come from virtue” (qtd. in Perry 52). Socratic philosophy is then based on the concept that in order to live a good life, one must have a strong knowledge of the self. It is by exercising that knowledge that one can seek to obtain arête (moral virtue, excellence), which in turn will translate in a more meaningful existence. Contrary to his accusers, at least according to Plato’s version of the story, Socrates looks deeper for meaning in the universe and is able to make his weakest arguments seem