How Does Socrates Defend Himself?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Socrates defends himself by saying he was prophesied to be a wise man by the Oracle of Delphi . Due to the prophecy, he believes his spiritual mission is to question people. Through questioning, he hopes to illuminate the difference between true and false wisdom.

What does Socrates say in his defense?

Socrates begins his defense by acknowledging that many people have accused him of “studying things in the sky and below the earth” and of “making the worse into the stronger argument” and teaching these things to others (p. 26).

What was Socrates best defense in the apology?

Specifically, the Apology of Socrates is a defence against the charges of “corrupting the youth” and “not believing in the gods in whom the city believes, but in other daimonia that are novel” to Athens (24b).

How does Socrates defend himself against the charge of corrupting the youth quizlet?

How does Socrates defend himself from the first new charge: corruption of youth? What examples does Socrates use? He attacks his accusers . He’s going to say that his accusers have made this charge up.

How does Socrates use the Socratic method in the apology?

In Apology, Socrates lays out this method to the Athenians using a number of examples. ... Socrates uses his trial not to prove his own innocence , but to expose philosophical truths to the citizens of Athens, as well as bringing to light the true motives of his accusers.

What was Socrates goal in apology?

Specifically, the Apology of Socrates is a defence against the charges of “corrupting the youth” and “not believing in the gods in whom the city believes , but in other daimonia that are novel” to Athens (24b).

Was Socrates trying to get himself acquitted?

Specifically, the Apology of Socrates is a defence against the charges of “corrupting the youth” and “not believing in the gods in whom the city believes , but in other daimonia that are novel” to Athens (24b).

How does Socrates defend himself against each charge?

Socrates is charged with impiety . In Athens, this charge includes not believing in the Athenian gods, worshipping a false god or daimon, and corrupting the youth of Athens. Socrates defends himself by saying he was prophesied to be a wise man by the Oracle of Delphi.

What were the old charges brought against Socrates?

He was found guilty of “impiety” and “corrupting the young”, sentenced to death , and then required to carry out his own execution by consuming a deadly potion of the poisonous plant hemlock. Politicians and historians have often used the trial to show how democracy can go rotten by descending into mob rule.

Does Socrates apologize for his actions?

The name of the dialogue derives from the Greek “apologia,” which translates as a defense, or a speech made in defense. Thus, in The Apology, Socrates attempts to defend himself and his conduct–certainly not to apologize for it . For the most part, Socrates speaks in a very plain, conversational manner.

What does Socrates compare himself to?

Socrates compares himself to a gadfly , who stings the lazy horse that is Athens, provoking it into action. ... In closing, Socrates points out that the youth he has supposedly corrupted, including Plato, are upright men who still stand by him.

What does Socrates say about virtue in Apology?

In our section of the Apology, Socrates principally argues the following: Virtue: His job is to teach Athenians that nothing is more important than cultivating one’s soul, through wisdom: searching for virtue (truth and goodness) .

Does Socrates believe in God?

Did you know? Although he never outright rejected the standard Athenian view of religion, Socrates’ beliefs were nonconformist . He often referred to God rather than the gods, and reported being guided by an inner divine voice.

Who said no one is wiser than Socrates?

Early in Socrates’ defence speech, he explained that his friend Chaerephon went to the oracle of Delphi and asked whether there was anyone wiser than Socrates. The oracle told Chaerephon that no one is wiser than Socrates.

Who Honoured Socrates as first Satyagrahi?

Gandhi referred to Socrates as a “Soldier of Truth” (satyavir) who had the willingness to fight unto death for his cause. His portrayal of Socrates as a satyagrahi and a moral hero went hand in hand with the affirmation of the courage and audacity of a non-violent warrior in the face of life-threatening danger.

Amira Khan
Author
Amira Khan
Amira Khan is a philosopher and scholar of religion with a Ph.D. in philosophy and theology. Amira's expertise includes the history of philosophy and religion, ethics, and the philosophy of science. She is passionate about helping readers navigate complex philosophical and religious concepts in a clear and accessible way.