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Socrates And Athenian Democracy Analysis

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Socrates and Athenian Democracy The Apology of Socrates, as told by Plato, is an essay including Socrates’ speech that he made to a jury while trying to “convince his fellow citizens of his innocence” (Lualdi 62). Socrates was attempting to make the Athenian assembly see the world from his own perspective, as he recounts stories of going to ones who have “reputation[s] of wisdom and [observing]” them (Lualdi 63). He explains his outlook on the world, which therefore explains his actions and teachings. He also comments on Athenian democracy while doing so, pointing out that in his way of thinking, he believes “the word of God… ought to be considered first” (Lualdi 64). This is being brought to light in contrast of what the reality of the system is: the word of God not being considered first. He also points out that instead of seeking God’s word, or “wisdom and truth and the greatest improvement of the soul,” the Athenian people wish only to heap up “the greatest amount of money and honor and reputation”, …show more content…

His beliefs about what is right and what should be considered first in Athenian democracy have lived on, however, and are now even present in some aspects today’s American democracy. The principle of separation of church and state is challenged by conservatives who share Socrates’ belief that God’s word should be law, which draws a natural comparison between the two. One can also draw a very natural comparison between our democracy today and Athenian democracy. There are politicians today who exemplify Athens’ policies of putting emphasis on wealth and the power of the nation, rather than taking into account what Socrates believes to be important- the improvement of the soul. These comparisons between Athenian democracy and our government in America today help us to understand the Athenian culture and our nation is not as different from the Greeks’ as we may

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