Plato’s The Apology is an account of the speech Socrates makes at the trial in which he is charged with not recognizing the gods recognized by the state, inventing new deities, and corrupting the youth of Athens .
What are the accusations against Socrates in the apology?
In his defence at trial, Socrates faced two sets of accusations: (i) asebeia (impiety) against the pantheon of Athens, by introducing new gods ; and (ii) corruption of Athenian youth, by teaching them to doubt the status quo.
Who was Socrates accused for?
Socrates was accused of corrupting the youth of Athens and sentenced to death . Choosing not to flee, he spent his final days in the company of his friends before drinking the executioner’s cup of poisonous hemlock.
What is Socrates accused of being like?
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.
What was Socrates punishment in the apology?
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.
Why is the Apology of Socrates important?
The Apology, which was written by Plato, is undeniably one of the most important writings on Socrates’ speech that he gave at his trial. Socrates was accused of impiety and corrupting the youth . ... Socrates was not only defending himself, but was also defending his conception of philosophy.
What was the result of Socrates looking for wiser than himself?
In each case, Socrates affirmed that he would rather be as he is, knowing that he knows nothing, than to be inflated by a false sense of his own great wisdom. Thus, he concludes, he truly is wiser than other men because he does not think he knows what he does not know.
What is Socrates most famous statement?
“ The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing. ” “The unexamined life is not worth living.” “There is only one good, knowledge, and one evil, ignorance.”
What punishment did Socrates give the judge?
Socrates was condemned to death for impiety and corrupting the minds of Athenians. After the death sentence Socrates made no complaint. He told his pupils that no harm could come to a good man in life or after 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.
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 did Socrates refer to himself as in his trial?
In his trial, Socrates referred to himself as; – a rudder that keeps the people of Athens on course . ... – asking questions of people and then questioning their answers. – asking questions of people and then questioning their answers.
What does Socrates say about Meletus?
Concerning the accusation that Socrates believed in strange spirits and not the gods of the state, Socrates shows that Meletus is saying that spirits are the offspring of gods , and since no one believes in flutes playing without flute players, or in horses’ offspring without horses, Socrates could not believe in the ...
Why was Plato’s Apology written?
In fact, Plato’s motives in writing the Apology are likely to have been complex. One of them, no doubt, was to defend and praise Socrates by making use of many of the points Socrates himself had offered in his speech.
What is Socrates definition of wisdom in apology?
Wisdom is humility , accepting that we know very little or nothing at all. Socrates describes this conclusion when he states “I am wiser than that man. Neither of us probably knows anything worthwhile; but he thinks he does when he does not, and I do not and do not think I do”.
What was Socrates main goal in life?
Thinking about meaning: Socrates and conceptual analysis
Socrates’ practical aim was to examine people’s ethical beliefs in order to improve the way they live ; his method for doing this was what philosophers call “conceptual analysis”.
