The Overlooked Life In Plato's The Apology

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In Plato’s “The Apology,” Socrates is defending himself before the Athenian government on charges of heresy and corrupting the youth. Socrates’ introspective reflection on pertinent issues, and his own life are ruled controversial to the Athenian State’s accepted beliefs. As a result, he faces charges from this decision to pursue a life full of philosophical exploration and enrichment. However, instead of repenting and likely being able to walk away with a nonfatal punishment, he claims, the good life is an examined life, and ultimately, an unexamined life is not worth living. This belief is enrooted in Socrates with such sustenance; it is what ultimately causes him to lose his life, by not willing to give up the examined lifestyle. Socrates …show more content…

One of Socrates’ friends, Chaerephon, asked if there was anyone wiser than Socrates, to which the oracle replied, “no one” (21a, 85). Socrates, knowing he was not very wise, sought to investigate the claim (21b, 85). Already, the reader can begin to understand how an examined life, is a good life. Socrates is unwilling to accept something as truth, just because it is said by a person in a position of power and respect. He chooses to investigate the claim, to find an understanding of how it can be that someone believes he is the wisest person. While this may seem not worthwhile, because it is a claim of praise, imagine if a detestable claim had been made about Socrates’ character. By being willing to go and explore the question further, and seek out evidence, Socrates would be able to prove against a negative remark on his character, and save his reputation, showing how an examined life is a good and worthwhile …show more content…

Socrates proposes that he “is not arguing in [his] own defense at all… but rather in [the Athenians’ defense] in order you may not make a mistake about the gift of god to you by condemning me.” (30d-e, 92). He believes the god has commanded him to engage in philosophy, and he should not abandon his mission, much like how a soldier should not abandon his post even when in danger (28e, 91). Although he faces the danger of being found guilty, his philosophical examinations are what the god has planned for him to pursue. Should the Athenians condemn Socrates, they would also be hurting themselves. This is based on the premise that Socrates and the Athenians believe in the same god, and if the examined life is a pursuit encouraged by the god, and the god has the good of the people in mind, then an examined life must be good. Therefore, if the god told Socrates to live an examined life, yet the Athenians prevent him from doing so, they are removing the chance of the god’s “gift,” of whatever knowledge Socrates may uncover by living an examined life, from also benefiting their community as

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