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Viety And Corruption In Plato's Apology Of Socrates

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Charges of impiety and corruption of the youth were brought against Socrates and he had to desperately defend himself to try and prove his innocence. Although, with a deeper look into his arguments in Plato’s Apology of Socrates a different conclusion for the purpose of his speech arises. Certainly, Socrates is a passionate philosopher and master at ethics; however, he admits he is not afraid to continue to philosophize or even die for his cause. Socrates even proposes that his punishment be only a small fee when the jury convicted him as guilty. Thus, with further analysis of the speech; it can be concluded that Socrates planned his own death. “I will certainly not stop philosophizing, and I will exhort you and explain this to whomever of you I happen to meet, and I will speak …show more content…

However, it is not in a way that successfully brings the jury to believe in his innocence. Socrates is a clever speaker, even getting Meletus to agree to his logic. He says in the beginning of his apology speech that he is not a clever speaker, however that is disproven with the logic he uses to argue his case. Although, even as a clever speaker, Socrates does not truly attempt to prove his innocence. He understands that he is being charged in a depth deeper than just Meletus charging him, he is against the entire towns values. “And this is what will convict me, if it does convict me: not Meletus or Anytus, but the slander and envy of the many,” (section 28a). He is readily admitting that he would have to change the values of all Athens, something that he is unable to do as just one man. He also states that he is not a Sophist, and will not speak to influence emotions he will only speak the truth. This alludes to that Socrates believed he could persuade his innocence if he spoke to the jury’s emotions. With only speaking the truth of his beliefs, Socrates knew he would be

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