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The Truth In Socrates's Apology

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Socrates is incorrect in saying that no one is wiser than he is. Socrates says, “I found that those who had the highest reputation were nearly the most deficient, while those who were thought to be inferior were more knowledgeable.” (Apology 26) By this definition, Socrates implies that those who see themselves as lesser are truly greater. Those who admit they know nothing, know everything. Socrates then goes on to state that he is the wisest of all. By stating that he is the wisest, he is inherently contradicting his earlier allegation where he claims that the wisest would not realize that he is wise. According to his logic, if one claims one is wise, one loses all wisdom. Coincidentally, Socrates often claims he is wise in his Apology. Thus,

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