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The Trial Of Socrates In Plato's Apology

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In one of Plato’s most famous literary works, Apology, the author gives the reader exceptional insight inside into the mind and philosophical thoughts of Socrates, a Greek philosopher who can be considered the father of Western philosophy. The Apology is an analysis of the Trial of Socrates during the year of 399 B.C. Much of the philosophical ideas that are presented in this work are derived from a speech that Socrates is using in order to defend his thoughts and mindset in front of the Athenian Council. Socrates, who was a friend of Plato as well as his teacher, is defending his philosophical thoughts, as well as helping others comprehend the meaning of life so that they can change their lives as well. Socrates explains to the council who
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According to the Oxford dictionary, a gadfly is a fly that bites and agitates livestock. In Plato’s Apology, it is claimed that Socrates compares himself to a gadfly that is attached to the city of Athens (29e). Then, in 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. mentions Socrates in his letter to the clergymen and compares himself to Socrates claiming, “so must we see the need for nonviolent gadflies to create the kind of tension in society…” (89-90). In both passages, there is an importance to be a gadfly in society and by being a gadfly, both men are able to create a change in their societies.

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Anish Yonjan Philosophy 1301-73426 Prof. Marcos Arandia Feb. 19, 2017 Explain and evaluate Socrates' claim in the Apology that "the unexamined life is not worth living for a human being," and briefly analyze and discuss the particular method he uses to discover the truth (i.e., dialectics or the Socratic Method), using at least two examples from Plato's Euthyphro and/or Apology. Do you agree that a human being cannot live a fully satisfying life if he or she remains ignorant, like the slavish prisoners in Plato's cave? Why or why not? In the Plato’s Apology, Socrates claims that the “unexamined life is not worth living for a human being”.

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Comparing Socrates words in the Republic for the philosopher to rule to the words of the Apology where philosophy is viewed as something that is punishable by death, this is where the defense or importance of philosophy is realized. For if the philosophers were the ones to rule, nobody would question whether or not what they were doing was right or wrong because the philosopher-kings make the rules through wisdom and knowledge. Plato wants to paint a portrait of the philosopher as not only something the city should want to have, but also as someone who would be fit to rule above all others. This contrasts, again, to the points made by the jurors to Socrates in the Apology for they saw Socrates as someone who brings the city

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In Plato’s The Apology, Socrates defended himself against the two charges – corrupting the youth and ungodliness. Throughout The Apology, Socrates firmly defended his beliefs as he attempted to compel others to understand his wisdom. Although, his plea of defense was ultimately unsuccessful as he was sentenced to death, Socrates made strong attempts to formulate a proper view of death. After reading The Apology, a new view on death can be considered as Socrates’ influential thoughts have greatly impacted world literature today. When being tried, the question was raised as to if it was suitable for Socrates to receive death as a penalty for his actions.

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Socrates was a greek philosopher who found himself in trouble with his fellow citizens and court for standing his grounds on his new found beliefs from his studies about philosophical virtue, justice, and truth. In “Apology” written by Plato, Socrates defended himself in trial, not with the goal of escaping the death sentence, but with the goal of doing the right thing and standing for his beliefs. With this mindset, Socrates had no intention of kissing up to the Athenians to save his life. Many will argue that Socrates’ speech was not very effective because he did not fight for his life, he just accepted the death sentence that he was punished with. In his speech he said, “But now it’s time to leave, time for me to die and for you to live.”

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There are several dialogues that provide different perspectives of the ancient trial of the philosopher Socrates, which offer alternative written interpretations of his defense and final days which resulted in his unexpected execution. Some of this literature can be argued to define this untimely death as a tragedy. Using these dialogues and secondary sources such as John M. Cooper’s edition of the Trail and Death of Socrates, Robert J. Bonner’s paper on the legal settings of the Apology, and Robert S. Brumbaugh’s philosophical understanding of Socrates trial, this paper will assess to what extent, if any, is Plato’s “Apology” or Socrates’ death tragic. Although some might argue that Socrates was wise and an established war hero, his death should not be considered tragic. Socrates entertained the idea of his death with humor, stayed true to his beliefs by challenging his opposition, and chose to stand trial versus fleeing or lighter sentence which ultimately led to his demise.

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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.

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Introduction The Apology was written by Plato, and relates Socrates’ defense at his trial on charges of corrupting the youth and impiety. Socrates argues that he is innocent of both charges. Plato reports the contents of three speeches delivered by Socrates in his own protection in court which has been arranged over him by the Athenian democrats and has terminated in the death sentence to the great philosopher. The word "apology" in a literal translation means "justification". Plato's purpose when writing "Apology" was to acquit posthumously Socrates from false accusation.

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Apology is commonly defined as a regretful acknowledgement or offering remorse. However, in the story written by Plato it offers a different definition, a reasoned argument or writing in justification of something or a defense. In the Apology, Socrates is at trial in which he is charged with not recognizing the gods recognized by the state, inventing new deities, and corrupting the youth of Athens. Overall, Socrates offers a insubstantial apology or defense for himself by being contradictory and refusing to change. “The Apology” recreates the speech Socrates gave during his trial.

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Socrates was a man that was in search of the truth about wisdom. However, it became more then just a search when it brought him to trail of accusations. As a philosopher Socrates was known to overdrawn ideas and to frustrate anyone he was talking to. He is always in search of a better idea and for anyone who has experienced Socrates could assume he is making up his own actualities. This becomes evident in “ Apology” written by Plato, where Socrates was brought in charges for corrupting the minds of the youth and not believing in the Gods.

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“Plato Apology” relates the trial of Socrates (469-399) B.C.E known as the father of Western Philosophy. Socrates, a son of sculpture and the midwife had a queer with most Athenians due to his point of view on values and beliefs. Charged with impiety and corrupting the Youth, Socrates’ defends himself by persuading the jury of his innocence with tangible reasons which made his arguments effective.

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Despite the title of this historical piece of work, this speech, made by Socrates at his trial, was anything but an apology. Plato, who wrote Apology, was a student of Socrates and this is his account of the trial. Even though he was present at the trial, the colloquy may have been adjusted by Plato to reflect what he thought Socrates should have said or what he thought Socrates meant to say. Plato was very fond of Socrates, therefore the way he may present him can be bias. Socrates attempted to persuade the men of Athens of his innocence by presenting himself as a good man and an authority of knowledge, as declared by the Delphic oracle.

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Plato believes that his teacher, Socrates, was trialed because he was “evil” and needed to be killed from society. The “apology” Socrates presents himself as respected and mistreated due to the emotions of the Athenian

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I found the story of Socrates trial, on pages 43-46, to be incredible. I always knew that history was full of surprises and amazing events. However, I had no idea that Athens had such a robust debate environment at 399 B.C.E. It seems like Athens was dealing with the same kind of political corruption that we, in modern society, must face in our politics today. It really proves the saying, “history repeats itself.”

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His personal defense is described in works two of his students: Xenophon and Plato. Both of them wrote papers called Apology, which is the Greek word for “defense”. In this essay I used Apology by Plato as the main resource, since it contents a more full account of the trial of Socrates and his words. Despite the fact that the philosopher attempted to defend himself and explain the reasons for saying and doing the things he did, it did not do any good for his justification. On the contrary, Socrates’ words seemed to make the jury harden their hearts and condemn him.

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