Ignorance In Plato's Apology

In Plato’s Apology, Socrates discusses the notion of individuals being unable to willingly do harm to others due to the fact that people are naturally inclined to do good, not harm. However, he argues that if people do something wrong, it is likely the result of ignorance. In that case, he suggests that the solution to this issue is education, not some form of punishment. In this essay, it will be argued that Socrates’ remedy for wrongdoings done out of ignorance is logical and correct. First, it is important to note the definition of ignorance, which is a lack of knowledge or information. If education is the practice of giving knowledge to others, then it is logical to reason that education is the solution to ignorance, filling in the gap where knowledge should be. Therefore, it is fair to say that teaching youth the difference between right and wrong is the correct way to ensure that people do not

Now if I corrupt them unwillingly, the law does not require you to bring people to court for such unwilling wrongdoings, but to get hold of them privately, to instruct them and exhort them; for clearly, if I learn better, I shall cease to do what I am doing unwillingly.” Here, Socrates is trying to convince us of the fact that he believes he unwillingly corrupted the youth, because he believes that people do not intentionally do harm; evil is the product of ignorance, not unwillingness. He did not intend to corrupt them, simply provide them with his knowledge, and he viewed education as the best way to ensure that his students would not do wrong, even by accident. By this logic, he is completely correct that education and enlightenment are necessary to resolve a wrongdoing; one should not be punished for being ignorant; they should be taught to know what is right