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Corruption Of Socrates In Plato's Apology

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Plato's Apology Consider the position of Socrates in Plato's "Apology". Now consider the historical circumstances surrounding Socrates' trial. Provide a reasoned opinion as to whether or not Socrates actions were appropriate. According to Plato’s Apology to the men of Athens he considered Socrates by many who felt Socrates a wise man, who speculated about the heaven above, and searched into the earth beneath, and made the worse appear the better cause. He also considered Socrates an evil-doer, and a curious person, who searches into things under the earth and in heaven, and he makes the worse appear the better cause; and he teaches the aforesaid doctrines to others." Socrates, in his defense, mentioned the harm done to him by Aristophanes's …show more content…

Socrates is guilty of refusing to recognize the gods recognized by the state, and of introducing new divinities. The jury found him guilty. By his own argument, however, Socrates could not blame the jury, for it was mistaken about what was truly in the interest of the city (cf. Theaetetus 177d-e) and thus required instruction. Socrates is found guilty by a narrow margin and is asked to propose a penalty. Socrates jokingly suggests that if he were to get what he deserves, he should be honored with a great meal for being of such service to the state. On a more serious note, he rejects prison and exile, offering perhaps instead to pay a fine. When the jury rejects his suggestion and sentences him to death, Socrates stoically accepts the verdict with the observation that no one but the gods know what happens after death and so it would be foolish to fear what one does not know. He also warns the jurymen who voted against him that in silencing their critic rather than listening to him, they have harmed themselves much more than they have harmed him. Socrates was poisoned. The poisoner described the physical effects of the Conium maculatum variety of hemlock used for citizen executions (Bloch 2001), then Socrates cheerfully took the cup and drank. Phaedo, a former slave echoing the slave of the Eleven, called Socrates, "the best, the wisest and the most upright" (Phaedo

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