Philo: Plato and Socrates Essay

From reading the apology, Plato tells the story of Socrates and his trial which the Athenian government sent him to death penalty. Socrates was a peaceful man who has his own morality and willing to face the jury with a certain possibility of death to maintain his integrity and beliefs. Socrates’ philosophical questions made the leaders of society appear to be unknowledgeable. Because of this he was accused of introducing new deities that made the Athenian government sent him to trial. Socrates understood his trial of what kind of sentence handed down would be yet on a level of honor and courage. The following were the main four charges, two of which ultimately convicted him to death by hemlock; making the weaker argument appear stronger, corrupting the youth, failure to acknowledge Gods, and being a busy body. Meletus, Socrates accuser, holds Socrates responsible for the corruption of the youth. Stating his opinion his actions and beliefs did not fit the form of society according to the Athenians who were in majority ruled by their fears of the consequence handed down for finding in favor of Socrates. After everything that Socrates told the people, his jury had finally made the decision and found him guilty. After the verdict, Socrates' final remarks did not beg for mercy. This could have been interpreted as either arrogance or irony. On one hand, he is showing defiant bravery in a dangerous situation, while openly criticizing the normal practices of the law courts. If the jury were to have reflected on Socrates’ life, they would see that he believed

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