Analyzing Plato´s Account Of Socrates's Trial

As children, we are continuously told what to believe and never question it. Through Plato's account of Socrates' defense during his trial, one can truly understand what message he was trying to convey, and why he was willing to die for his beliefs. Socrates believed that God was behind him in trying to get his community to understand what they believe and why. Socrates, unlike most, has the mentality to understand "... that God only is wise…[and] he is only using [his] name by way of illustration…” (lines75-77). Socrates views his job on Earth a puppet for God. ”...I am in utter poverty by reason of my devotion to the god" (line 83). This grants Socrates’ accusers with insight on his devotion to God. "And so I go about the world, obedient to the god, and search and make inquiry into the wisdom of anyone…who appears to be wise… [and I] show him that he is not wise" (lines 78-81). Socrates

"I found that the men most in repute were all but the most foolish; and that others less esteemed were really wiser and better" (lines 70-71). Circumstances like these lead Socrates to the conclusion and understanding of who is really wise. He comprehended that ones who are deemed wise are not and vise versa. This understanding accommodates and is applicable to most of the Athenian community and one can understand this from Socrates’ many devoted years of inquisition. He did this for a desired deduction of peoples wisdom, mentality, and grasp of personal beliefs. ”… I myself possess the wisdom which I find wanting in others…"(lines 74-75). Socrates has a vivacious attitude and thirst for wisdom. Not only is he not shy about this, he commonly reveals this through his bizarre ideas, actions, and