The trial of Socrates (399 BC) was held to determine the philosopher’s guilt of two charges: asebeia (impiety) against the pantheon of Athens, and corruption of the youth of the city-state ; the accusers cited two impious acts by Socrates: “failing to acknowledge the gods that the city acknowledges” and “introducing new ...
What was the second charge brought against Socrates?
The second defense consists of Socrates responding directly to the two charges brought against him: “corrupting the young” and impiety , or more specifically, “not believing in the gods in whom the city believes” (p. 28).
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).
When Socrates was found guilty What was his punishment?
Socrates’ proposed ‘punishment’ angered the jury, and they went on to vote overwhelmingly for death . Socrates was made to drink a cup of poisonous hemlock. Most scholars see the conviction and execution of Socrates as a deliberate choice made by the famous philosopher himself.
What are the 3 older charges brought against Socrates?
From them, we know that Socrates was accused of impiety against the traditional Greek religion , of acting (as a member of the Popular Assembly) against the will of the people, of speaking against the democratic idea of elections, and of corrupting the young to his own beliefs.
How does Socrates defend himself against the charges?
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 challenges did Socrates offer to the jury?
Socrates says he is an honest man. What is his challenge to the jury? to not create a disturbance based on the account that Socrates will use improper language for the court room.
What was Socrates goal in Apology?
Plato’s teacher Socrates was found guilty of corrupting the youth by the courts of Athens and subsequently executed. The Apology describes the proceeds of the trial. Socrates’s goal in Plato’s Apology was never to defend himself, but to continue doing his life’s work of exposing falsehood in others .
Was Socrates trying to get himself acquitted?
Was Socrates trying to get himself acquitted? ... Getting acquitted is completely immaterial to him . The only thing of importance is the truth. Rather than provide arguments in his defense, Socrates insists solely on speaking the truth, which he feels should be sufficient to acquit him if only the jury were just.
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).
What does Socrates say to defend himself against the charges of Meletus quizlet?
How does Socrates defend himself from the old charges? Socrates always says he does not know something and then asks someone . ... Socrates concluded that non of the politicians are right. They are not wise.
What does Socrates mean when he calls himself a gadfly?
When Socrates refers to himself as a gadfly during his trial, he means that he is like an examiner of things . He said that “he was given to the state by the god.”(Socrates, The Apology) He means by this that he was put here to ask questions to examine life and its surroundings.
What three groups does Socrates test in the apology?
(a) Tests three groups: Politicians, Poets, Craftsmen .
What was Socrates last request?
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.
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 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.
