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Analyzing Plato's Version Of Socrates Apology

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Ironically, Socrates by no means puts forth an “Apology” with respect to the current definition of the word, in fact, he elucidates that he is not sorry for his actions. The title “Apology” refers to the Greek word “apologia” which translates roughly to “a defense of a belief”. To effectively analyze this Plato’s version of Socrates’ unrehearsed speech, it is important to recognize its three main parts. First, Socrates defends himself against the accusations, “there are two classes of my accusers-one those who have just brought their accusation, the others those who, brought it long ago”. Second, Socrates responds to the verdict and proposes a punishment. Finally, Socrates responds to the punishment put before him. (Need to throw something …show more content…

As you may notice, not a single person shall answer and even if they had, according to Socrates, they would not be telling the truth. Socrates then explains that he acquired this sullied reputation and prejudice against him due to the fact he has this unique wisdom, a wisdom that stems from recognizing how little one knows and that one still has much to learn. In this wisdom, Socrates is considered the wisest per Chaerephon’s inquiry to the priestess of Apollo at Delphi, Pythia, who’s unable to lie. With this wisdom, Socrates’ questioned the men with the most reputation (politicians, poets, and artisans) realizing they all share a common flaw; a mindset that since they have skill in their individual crafts they are also wise in important matters, outside their craft, when they are not. The fact that Socrates brought this to light is the reason for the prejudice against him. On Socrates’ journey to determine the wise and reveal those who are not wise to the gods, young men, sons of the rich, began to follow his crusade and examine people on their own accord. The questioned became angered with Socrates and accused him of “corrupting the youth”. Their accusations against Socrates stem from the idea that he corrupts the youth although they are unable to answer the question, what is it that Socrates is doing/teaching? Thus, to avoid feeling foolish, they attack the philosopher aspect of Socrates saying that he does not believe in gods and makes weak arguments stronger through persuasion. To sum up, Socrates provides a defense against the accusers on the basis that he has not taught or done anything but follow the path of aiding the

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