Plato's Apology Research Paper

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Plato's Apology

Discuss the main points of Plato's the Apology

The Apology is based upon series of speeches that were made by Socrates in 39 BC. He was standing trial for corrupting the youth of Athens by not believing in the gods of the city. This is because he would often question various ideas in order to have a greater sense of understand and enlightenment. As a result, there were several main points that he argued in his defense to include: showing his accusers as self-righteous hypocrites, he is obeying the laws of a higher power and the jury / judges was overly influenced by his opponents. ("The Apology")

In the case of showing his accusers as self-righteous hypocrites, Socrates directly questions Meletus (the primary witness) by demonstrating that they are not helping the youth of Athens with these proceedings. Instead, the trial and the charges levied against him are based upon jealousy and half-truths. He then questions their true motivations and the benefits they receive by going after him. ("The Apology")

Moreover, Socrates believes that he has not broken any laws by following the ideas of a higher power. According to him, everyone must follow the various rules and regulations. However, when there is a conflict between human laws and those of the gods, the moral person will chose the deities. This is because they are of a higher authority. These views led Socrates to claim that under this philosophy he has not breached any of the various legal provisions. ("The Apology")

Evidence of this can be seen with Socrates saying, "Gentlemen, I am your grateful and devoted servant, but I owe a greater obedience to God than to you; and as long as I draw breath and have my faculties I shall never stop practicing philosophy. Are you not ashamed that you give your attention to acquiring as much money as possible, and similarly with reputation and honor, and give no attention or thought to truth and understanding and the perfection of your soul?" This showing how he believes that he has not broken any laws. Instead, he is following the regulations from a higher authority.

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This means that he is not bound by the laws he is accused of violating. (Plato)

Next, he accuses the jury and judges from being overly influenced by his enemies. This is brought to the forefront when he is found guilty by a narrow margin. While this is taking place, he then states how the reaction of the judges and the sense of vengeance is a sign of the pressure they felt from his opponents. This is when Socrates questions the validity of the trial and the charges against him. ("The Apology")

What were the charges brought against Socrates?

There were three charges that were brought against Socrates to include: refusing to recognize the gods of the city, being a pagan / practicing his own religion and corrupting the youth of Athens. Evidence of this can be seen with Xenophon (an observer) saying, "Socrates is guilty of crime in refusing to recognize the gods acknowledged by the state, and importing strange divinities of his own; he is further guilty of corrupting the young. Whereupon, in spite of the bitter resentment of the people, and the menaces of several influential citizens, he refused to put the question, esteeming it of greater importance faithfully to abide by the oath which he had taken, than to gratify the people wrongfully, or to screen himself from the menaces of the mighty. The fact being, that with regard to the care bestowed by the gods upon men, his belief differed widely from that of the multitude. Whereas most people seem to imagine that the gods know in part, and are ignorant in part, Socrates believed firmly that the gods know all things -- both the things that are said and the things that are done, and the things that are counseled in the silent chambers of the heart. Moreover, they are present everywhere, and bestow signs upon man concerning….....

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