The Trial and Death of Socrates Essay - 1639 Words

The portrayal of Socrates, through the book â€Å"the trial and death of Socrates† is one that has created a fairly controversial character in Western history. In many ways, Socrates changed the idea of common philosophy in ancient Greece; he transformed their view on philosophy from a study of why the way things are, into a consideration man. Specifically, he analyzed the virtue and health of the human soul. Along side commending Socrates for his strong beliefs, and having the courage to stand by those convictions, Socrates can be commended for many other desirable characteristics. Some of those can include being the first martyr to die for his philosophical beliefs and having the courage to challenge indoctrinated cultural norms is part of†¦show more content†¦The apology is an account of the speech that Socrates makes during his trial. In Socrates’ trial, he is being accused of not recognizing the same gods that the others in Athens recognize (specifically t hat those in authority). Instead, Socrates is charged with inventing new gods, and in doing so is corrupting the youth of Athens to whom, Socrates frequently preaches to about his theology. Socrates’ speech, however, is not an apology, as the name may suggest but rather an explanation of his beliefs. During his trial speech, Socrates makes frequent reference to his beliefs explaining that his behavior stems from a prophecy by the oracle at Delphi, which claims that he was the wisest of all men. Although Socrates is honest and direct about these beliefs, this did not sit well with many of the trial members who were evaluating him. Despite the fact that Socrates made frequent references to the fact that it is destined for him to be the wisest of all men, he also recognizes that he does in fact lack in knowledge when it comes to world affairs. To which, Socrates states only adds to his wisdom as he is aware of the fact that he does not know everything and that realization alone makes him wiser than most other men. In his explanation of his behavior, Socrates also adds that part of his duty as a wise man, is to make sure that he questions the behavior of other wise men to make sure that those men are also awareShow MoreRelatedThe Trial And Death Of Socrates : The Trial And Death Of Socrates972 Words   |  4 Pages The Trial and Death of Socrates, depicts the different stages of Socrates’s life, from his prosecution until his execution. During the narratives, Socrates gives us, as readers, insight towards his beliefs and philosophy, which are viewed as reasons for his imprisonment. Phaedo’s recollection of Socrates’s last few hours alive, reveals Socrates’s most important belief, that the soul is an entity which is immortal and is valuable during and after life. All perceived lusts, greed, and fear are causedRead MoreThe Trial And Death Of Socrates845 Words   |  4 Pagesright or not. For that, in this essay, we will use Plat o’s The Trial and Death of Socrates, as our example of how this kind of attitudes play in Socrates’ life as it is well-known as intelligently and morally lived one. In Euthyphro section, Socrates meets a man named Euthyphro before his trial, where he is being accused by Meletus for corrupting the youth. While Euthyphro is here to prosecute his own father for the case of murder. Socrates starts to ask him about his meaning of piety. â€Å"It is notRead MoreThe Trial And Death Of Socrates1701 Words   |  7 PagesIn reading, The Trial and Death of Socrates, Socrates presents himself against â€Å"the majority† and endures prosecution for inventing new gods and not believing in old ones. Socrates lives a life that is opposite of much of the â€Å"the majority† ideals. â€Å"The majority† values goods, possessions, and uncontrollable attributes given to them by others such as a high reputation and honor. In addition, The Greek Philosopher was able to refuse the opportunity to escape his death sentence while he had sons atRead MoreTrial and Death of Socrates2267 Words   |  10 PagesBenjamin Jowett. The Trial and Death of Socrates (Dover Edition). New York: Dover Publications, 1992 â€Å"What is the charge? Well, a very serious charge, which shows a good deal of character in the young man, and for which he is certainly not to be despised. He says he knows how the youth are corrupted and who are their corruptors. And I fancy that he must be a wise man, and seeing that I am anything but a wise man, he has found me out, and is going to accuse me of corrupting his young friendsRead MoreThe Trial And Death Of Socrates And The Gita1563 Words   |  7 Pagesalso true of the ancient texts The Trial and Death of Socrates and The Gita, despite their conflicting messages on the importance of individuality. In The Trial and Death of Socrates, Socrates seems to take an individualist approach in that people choose to follow their â€Å"god†, or conscience, while The Gita argues that people are being guided by truth. The Gita shows this with Arjuna’s devotion to Krishna’s wishes despite his inherent ties to his family. Both Socrates and Arjuna find themselves at oddsRead MorePlato : The Trial And Death Of Socrates1107 Words   |  5 PagesAmanda Kewal Phil 103 Essay #1 Plato: The Trial and Death of Socrates Euthyphro In Platos Euthyphro, Euthyphro is surprised to see Socrates at the courthouse because he doesnt seem like the kind of person that should be anywhere around a courthouse. They both discuss why Socrates is there in which he tells Euthyphro that he is being indicted by Meletus for corrupting the youth because he does not believe in the old gods of Athens and makes up new gods. Socrates goes on by telling Euthyphro his issueRead MorePlato: The Trial and Death of Socrates1263 Words   |  5 PagesPLATO- The Trial and Death of Socrates Athens belonged to a royal blood of an Aristocratic family. Plato was a good learner and pupil who always wanted to wanted to justify Socrates and tried to discover the eternal principles of human conduct, happiness, justice, temperance and courage. He was holding a unique and valuable position in the area when he was only about twenty eight years old. Plato never forced anyone to follow him and to adopt his thoughts in order to adopt a true and simple meanRead MorePlato s The Trial And Death Of Socrates Essay1671 Words   |  7 PagesPlato’s The Trial and Death of Socrates presents the reader with complex competing conceptions of what should be considered â€Å"the good life†. According to Socrates, â€Å"the most important thing is not life, but the good life† (Crito, 48b). The majority, who live a non-philosophical life, believes the goods of life include wealth, reputation, and honor: all things that can easily be taken away or destroyed. On the other hand, Socrates lives a philosophical life filled with self-sufficiency. He views wisdomRead MoreSocratic Justice And The Trial And Death Of Socrates992 Words   |  4 Pagesin The Trial and Death of Socrates. I will also go into detail about the differences between Machiavelli’s views of government as opposed to Socrates’s. Socrates and Machiavelli are two the greatest philosophers known today. Both had an effective way of showing and standing up for what they believe in. While both men were very intelligent, Socrates and Machiavelli differ with their views on justice. Socrates defines justice as doing what is best for the wellbeing of his country. Socrates shows thisRead MoreThe Trial and Untimely Death of Socrates Essay527 Words   |  3 PagesThe Trial and untimely death of Socrates, in my opinion, was a small group of people throwing a fit when it was pointed they weren’t as smart as they thought. The reasoning used by Socrates is the greatest example of the facts, not the manipulation of, proving your innocence. Socrates makes several points as to the trial being a complete waste of time and that even if he was brought to court he would be innocent. I agree death was the wrong verdict by the jury, the jury should have voted for innocence