The "Apology" by Plato is a story about Socrates, who defended himself against accusers. Socrates was one of the greatest thinkers in ancient Greece and one of the few whose wisdom was noticed. From this story we can learn who Socrates was and what kind of life he had lived. To understand why Socrates deserved to be executed, we should have a view of times before execution. I will provide a brief opening statement.
He has passion for his beliefs and values, and would rather die than give them up. When presented with the idea of the jury releasing him he states “as long as I draw breath and am able, I shall not cease to practice philosophy” (Plato 32). This shows that Socrates does not believe what he has done and what he believes in is wrong; he will continue to do what he had been put on trial for if released. This is the exact opposite of what one would say to appease the jury. Socrates is on trial because some believe what he was doing was wrong, by refusing to acknowledge that he was wrong, this speech contradicts our modern day idea of an apology.
The awnser to this question lies my opinion also on how Socrates made his choice. Take for instance a murderer is punished to death and guilty of his crimes, he should be punished not only to be just and reprimand him for his actions, but also to protect the lives of other people from getting hurt. In Socrates situation, he is unjustly accused of corrupting the youth and failing to acknowledge the gods his city acknowledged. This in opinioin is not only a real crime but the crime even if he truly committed it does not match the punishment. To conclude, Socrates in some peoples eyes may seem that the right thing for him to do is to escape and save his own life, even though he would be ricking the the lives of his friends and family and inevitably be caught later on down the road the face once again the same situation.
The first reason Socrates gives for accepting his death sentence is the fact that Athens has provided him with education. (Crito page 15) Although Socrates thinks this is a just reason, Plato would disagree because Socrates could have become corrupted and bad without proper education. According to Plato, Socrates would have the traits of a philosopher king. Socrates loves the truth, hates the false, is moderate and courageous. (The Republic 485a-486b) Careful analysis of The Crito would prove that Socrates does have those qualities as seen from his determination to stay in prison,
As a result of this trigger, Socrates would have unquestionably taken the decision to escape prison. Yet, Crito’s method fails because Socrates’ moral value exceeds any relation or bond that he held with anyone. He doesn’t believe that a minor dilemma or wrongdoing of the public should have an influence on his decision. Socrates’ actions are honest and align with the laws of Athens. Socrates’ relationship with the laws must be stronger than those family bonds because they’re more important and an individual should even give up their life for the country if it ever comes to
Crito 's main point is that Socrates should flee Athens because he was sentenced to an unfair trial. Socrates is already of old age, therefore if he were to escape there would not be many years of his life left to enjoy. Crito 's first argument is that Socrates ' death will be a great loss to him. Socrates is a friend and mentor that cannot be easily replaced for Crito. Crito does not refer to Socrates’ wealth, but he means that Socrates is a man of integrity and reflectiveness.
For many centuries, many people continuously have two different stances in the Crito, which is one of the several Platonic dialogues. After pleading guilty in a trial and being sent to prison for the injustice of corrupting the youth’s mind, which he did not commit, Socrates is given the chance to decide whether to escape prison or not. Some believe that it was more righteous for Socrates to follow the Athenian laws and face his punishment. Others believe that he should not have suffered and have his last remaining moments unfairly taken from him. Despite the fact that Socrates accepted his penalty, he should have left with Crito because the trial was, overall, unfair.
Socrates by his words wanted to affect the jury and gain the mercy for not putting him to a death and change a penalty instead. However, Socrates asking for the mercy was not because he had no other choice, but to put impudence on the court decision. Socrates was able to win the case if he had practiced Sophistry, but he chosen to tell a truth instead of saying shameful things that other people say it during a trail to avoid a penalty. Moreover, Socrates prophesied that there will be others people to take his position after his death anyway. After all, it is not the particular person who created an issue, but the activity of Philosophy itself was
However, a person that is unwise would approach death into thinking that it is the worst thing that can happen in life. I would argue that Socrates is influencing the audience and the people who will read his case to become more philosophical. He has a purpose
Sydney Leopard Philosophy 105 3-5-2018 What is pious and impious and who, on the off chance that anybody, is to decide equity? In The Trial and Death of Socrates, Plato relates the dialog amongst Crito and Socrates in his correctional facility cell. Crito is doing what he supposes is just and intends to convince Socrates to escape execution. Socrates, however, doesn 't rush to take Crito 's offer. Rather, he is tolerant in his discourse on whether he should take Crito 's offer.