The Apology By Plato s Speech - 1416 Words

The Apology by Plato is an account of the speech Socrates makes at his trial. He was charged with not acknowledging the gods that the government recognized, inventing new deities and corrupting the youth of Athens. The speech is not an apology, however, it is more of a defense. In the beginning of his speech Socrates explains that he has no experience in courts and he will speak informally. He then explains that his behavior is heavily influenced by a prophecy told by an oracle which stated that he was the wisest man. Socrates knew this couldn’t possibly be true in the traditional sense, however he concludes that the way he must be wiser than other men is that he knows that he knows nothing. Socrates thinks that his duty is to expose ‘wise’ men’s wisdom as ignorance. As a result, his actions earned him a lot of admiration among the youth of Athens, as well as a lot of contempt from the people he exposed as stupid. He explains that their anger is the reason he is on trial in the first place. Socrates then interrogates Meletus, the man primarily responsible for Socrates being on trial. This interrogation, however, is more directed at embarrassing Meletus than actually finding the truth. Socrates argues that his influence is necessary, however annoying it may be, for the state to be productive. Socrates is found guilty by a small margin and is asked to suggest a penalty for himself. Socrates jokingly suggests that he be served a great meal for being such a service to the state,Show MoreRelatedPlatos Apology, Summary, Main Characters750 Words   |  3 PagesSocrates - The protagonist of The Apology, as well as all of Plato s other dialogues. Socrates seems to be a very simple man, not having many material possessions and speaking in a plain, conversational manner. However, this seeming plainness is all a part of the ironic characteristic of Socrates method. Professing his own ignorance, he engages in conversation with someone claiming t o be an expert, usually in ethical matters. By asking simple questions, Socrates gradually reveals that his interlocutorRead MorePlatos Philosophy in Apology1375 Words   |  6 PagesPHL202H5 Plato s Philosophy in Apology Plato was known to be one of Socrates students, and knew him for over 40 years. Although Plato s version of Apology is popularly believed to be (the most accurate) historical recount of what happened in 399 B.C on the day of Socrates trial, historians cannot be sure the validity of everything he wrote. It can be argued that it is actually a philosophical work, remarking on the teachings of Socrates and his beliefs, which he stood by even until hisRead MoreWhat Are The Charges Against Socrates?1019 Words   |  5 Pagesagainst Socrates as recorded in the Apology. Is he guilty of them? Why or why not? The Apology is assumed to be the most realistic account that has been conserved of Socrates defense of himself as it was presented before the Athenian Council. It is in essential agreement with the references to the trial that occur in Plato s other dialogs. We may determine that Apology is not written by Socrates and only contains the words of Socrates that were memorized by Plato, since he was present at the timeRead MoreApology On Apology Of Socrates852 Words   |  4 PagesMarch 2, 2017 Apology of Socrates Socrates was a Greek philosopher and the founder of western philosophy. Plato was the student of Socrates who was very motivated by the life and teaching of Socrates. Plato was also one of the greatest Philosopher of ancient Greece. Apology is the actual recorded speech of Socrates by Plato, which was delivered at the trail to defend himself. Many people did not agree with Socrates, so they made several charges against him, which is recorded in the Apology. Some ofRead MoreApology On The Book Apology1308 Words   |  6 PagesThe book Apology begins with Socrates making a short speech in which he defends his innocence. He was on trial because of the two â€Å"Later† charges against him. Corrupting the youth and disbelief in Athenian gods were among the charges. Before he began his speech, he made it clear to the judges that he is not familiar with the court system and also that it’s his first time in court so that he will be speaking in his â€Å"usual manner†. His accusers warned the judges that he has a great persuasive powerRead MoreComparison Between Crito and Apology1661 Words   |  7 PagesComparison between Crito and Apology For these two articles that we read in Crito and Apology by Plato, we could know Socrates is an enduring person with imagination, because he presents us with a mass of contradictions: Most eloquent men, yet he never wrote a word; ugliest yet most profoundly attractive; ignorant yet wise; wrongfully convicted, yet unwilling to avoid his unjust execution. Behind these conundrums is a contradiction less often explored: Socrates is at once the most Athenian, mostRead MorePlato s Apology And Ralph Waldo Emerson s On Self Reliance1559 Words   |  7 PagesThrough Plato’s Apology and Ralph Waldo Emerson’s â€Å"Self-Reliance† both contend that living an unexamined life is living a life of ignorance and futility. On the other hand, living an examined life is living an enlightened life full of intelligence. I agree with Plato and Emerson’s similar ideas that without knowledge, life as it is, is not worth living. They both argue that having personal beliefs create s an intelligent society. Having knowledge allows for one to set goals and objectives to achieveRead MorePlatos The Apology Essay1530 Words   |  7 Pagesand yet they have hardly spoken a word of truth.† – Plato â€Å"The Apology† In â€Å"The Apology,† Socrates represents himself in his own trial. He boldly questions the morality of the people of court. In this report, I will be analyzing portions of â€Å"The Apology† in order to reveal the intellectuality of this text within this time frame. I will only discuss bits of â€Å"The Apologyâ€Å" on account that it is a lengthy piece. However, before discussing the speech it is important to set the scene. Socrates was bornRead MoreAnalysis Of Plato s The Ring Of Gyges 1510 Words   |  7 Pagesif you had a magic ring like the ring of Gyges (Republic, 359d)? Why be just or moral? Develop the complete answer of Socrates in Plato s Republic, through 449a. Then consider whether Plato s Socrates in The Apology would answer in a way that was any different, in substance or in tone. Your own opinion is worth a page of so, but focus on the argument of Plato s Socrates. When Glaucon attempts to argue that no difference exists between the just and unjust man, he tells the tale of the RingRead MorePlato, An Ancient Greek Philosopher1458 Words   |  6 Pages Plato, an Ancient Greek Philosopher by Carly Rittenmeyer Bible and the Ancient World Spring 2015 Plato, a Greek Philosopher, is known for his writings that impacted people in the Ancient Greek society. He was a free thinker and lived in a free city, Athens. He was taught by multiple teachers including Socrates who was frequently mentioned in his writings as the central character. Plato’s novel, The Republic, influenced the idea of government and shows