This question arises in Plato’s Apology. The Apology is Socrates’ speech to defend himself in his trial against the charges of corruption of the youth and believing in false gods. This is written by his student, Plato, who was present during this trial. Socrates is sentenced to death for these crimes because during that time, it was
Socrates’ Arguments in the Crito In The Crito, Socrates argues that he should not escape prison because it would be morally incorrect. He says that the really important thing is not to live but to live well. Therefore, by escaping prison, not only will he suffer the consequences but also his family, his friends, and the city of Athens. Socrates argues that the city of Athens would be affected if he escapes from prison. By escaping from prison, he would be breaking the laws of the city.
Socrates attempted to persuade the men of Athens of his innocence by presenting himself as a good man and an authority of knowledge, as declared by the Delphic oracle. Socrates attempted to make a logical argument of the accusations when he questioned his accuser, Meletus. Then, to ensure his acquittal, he tried to appeal to the emotions of the judges. While Socrates’ defense was thought provoking, his inflation of self-importance worked against him in his trial, as he failed to persuade the court of his innocent ignorance. Socrates opening statement to the court was not only to build upon his character as favorable but also to lower the character of his accusers.
While reading Plato’s “Apology” in The Trial and Death of Socrates, it is almost impossible to not be inspired by his bravery and tenacity. When Socrates was tried for his controversial beliefs, he still refused to abandon his ideals, even in the face of death. Simultaneously, he gave fantastic reasoning as to why he should not be charged for living the way he did. Socrates could not have done more to secure his own acquittal. Socrates’ greatest ally in the defense of his position was his dedication to stay true to himself.
In the reading, I found that Crito has five main criticisms that he presents to Socrates. The first criticism that Crito has is that the majority of people will think that Crito did not do enough to help Socrates. Crito is a wealthy man who would no doubt have the adequate amount in order to pay off some people as well as provide safe passage for Socrates. He would also be able to give Socrates a place of sanctuary with friends who would be able to keep Socrates safe. According to Crito, if Socrates were to remain in jail and succumb to the death sentence, it would give
In Crito's eyes, Socrates is innocent and therefore has the right to escape. However, even though Crito believes Socrates has the right to escape, Socrates disagrees with him. He reminds Crito “no human being should do injustice in return, whatever he suffers from others”(Crito, 49c). Socrates argues even if the jury's decision was unjust, it is never permissible for him to do injustice in return and therefore he will not try to escape. In essence, even though Socrates is offered the opportunity to
Socrates lived a life of truth; following the laws yet getting people to think for themselves. Because of the downfall of Athens and the way he lived, Socrates faced major charges such as corrupting the youth, spewing nonsense and going against the gods; or was it being a complete atheist? Even his accuser wasn’t sure which one it was. Proving his case well, Socrates manages to get his accusers and the jury to agree with him, but the jury still decides he is guilty. Socrates was charged unjustly because his accusers were manipulated, his charges are no longer valid and his accuser could not even make up their mind as what to charge him with.
This becomes evident in “ Apology” written by Plato, where Socrates was brought in charges for corrupting the minds of the youth and not believing in the Gods. Socrates claims that he did not consciously corrupt the youth of Athens, and he gives many reasons why he is not at fault for these actions. In his defense to the jury, he tells them that by looking at the facts, they will see Meletus is accusing him of something that is not true. The way Socrates defends himself is well-thought out and logical. He ask Meletus a serious of questions and Meletus answers, Socrates then moves on to the next question to support his claim.
Socrates is discovered blameworthy by a limited edge and is requested that propose a punishment. Socrates facetiously proposes that if he somehow happened to get what he merits, he ought to be regarded with an awesome feast for being of such support of the state. On a more genuine note, he rejects jail and outcast, offering maybe rather to pay a fine. At the point when the jury rejects his proposal and sentences him to death, Socrates stoically acknowledges the decision with the perception that nobody yet the divine beings comprehend what happens after death thus it is silly to dread what one doesn't have the foggiest idea. He likewise cautions the jurymen who voted against him that in hushing their pundit instead of listening to him, they have
During Plato’s Crito, the titles namesake, goes and visits Socrates as his friend. Crito tells Socrates that arrangements have been made, and he is there to smuggle Socrates out of prison. Everybody knows—including Socrates—that he has been wrongly convicted. Instead of leaving with Crito, Socrates says that he should not make a hasty decision, and instead examine the different possibilities. Socrates says that whatever he decides it must be just.