Furthermore, Socrates points out that Meletus has involved himself in a self-contradiction: he accuses Socrates of introducing new and strange divinities and at the same time asserts that he is an atheist who does not believe in any god .
How does Socrates defend himself against the charge that he corrupts the youth?
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 .
Why does Meletus contradict himself?
{ 4 } – Showing that Meletus contradicts himself. The contradiction is that in saying that Socrates does not believe in the gods at all (26c), Meletus is contradicting his official charge that Socrates believes in new divinities (26b) . The “new divinities” refers to Socrates’ divine sign from god (See 31c).
What did Meletus say about Socrates?
Meletus has stated that Socrates is a doer of evil in that he corrupts the youth, does not believe in the gods of the state , and has introduced new divinities of his own.
How does Socrates show that he has not corrupted the youth of Athens?
How does Socrates show that he does not corrupt the young people of Athens? ... Taylor suggests that Socrates does not take these charges seriously and exhibits the often observed irony as he plays with his accusers. Socrates states that the charge of corruption of the youth is a “stock charge” against all philosophers.
What challenges did Socrates offer to the jury?
According to Plato, Socrates asks the jury for free meals in the Prytaneum , a public dining hall in the center of Athens. Socrates must have known that his proposed “punishment” would infuriate the jury. I. F.
What did Socrates say in the apology?
In the Apology of Socrates, Plato cites no total numbers of votes condemning or acquitting the philosopher of the accusations of moral corruption and impiety; Socrates says that he would have been acquitted if thirty more jurors had voted in his favour.
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 Meletus charge Socrates?
The affidavit sworn out by Meletus made two related charges against Socrates: “ refusing to acknowledge the gods recognized by the State and of introducing new and different gods ” and “corrupting the youth.”
What does Socrates mean when he calls himself a gadfly?
Socrates. The term “gadfly” (Greek: μύωψ, mýops) was used by Plato in the Apology to describe Socrates’ acting as an uncomfortable goad to the Athenian political scene , like a spur or biting fly arousing a sluggish horse.
What does Socrates say at his trial concerning the unexamined life?
The Unexamined Life. After the jury has convicted Socrates and sentenced him to death, he makes one of the most famous proclamations in the history of philosophy. He tells the jury that he could never keep silent, because “ the unexamined life is not worth living for human beings ” (Apology 38a).
Does Socrates succeed in his defending himself from the charges made against him?
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. His defense is ultimately unsuccessful , and he is convicted and sentenced to death.
Why didn’t Socrates plead for lesser charges?
Why doesn’t Socrates plead for a lesser charge in order to save his life? ... Socrates knows who he is, and knows that life is not worth living if he cannot choose what is right. (Cf, the Socratic Paradox). He did not believe that such a plea could better his soul; thus, he would continue his questioning in exile.
What three groups does Socrates test in the apology?
(a) Tests three groups: Politicians, Poets, Craftsmen .
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 was Socrates last request?
So, too, this which had come to me has not come by chance, but I see plainly that it was better for me to die now and be freed from troubles . That is the reason why the sign never interfered with me, and I am not at all angry with those who condemned me or with my accusers.
