After analyzing many different texts, it seems as if Socrates could be innocent and guilty at the same time. It’s difficult trying to figure out what Socrates really believed because there are many different things for people to read. I personally think that Socrates does not believe in the gods of Athens but does believe in a higher power. Because of the oracle, Socrates says, “I do not have the leisure to engage in public affairs to any extent, nor indeed to look after my own, but I live in great poverty because of my service to the god” (23b). The only thing I don’t agree with after reading this information is that he corrupted the youth.
Socrates was genuinely worried about why the young men were so disappointing. Socrates' young students had been a particular disappointment to him. If Socrates could figure out exactly how the fathers had failed to properly educate their sons, he could save the city and restore Athens to its former glory. Socrates’ interesting idea was that human excellence was really a kind of knowledge. Sophists were skilled in elaborate argumentation; were they would try and make the argument they were focusing on the stronger side, even if it was wrong or weaker.
These charges are for “corrupting the minds of the young, and of believing in supernatural things of his own invention instead of gods recognised by the state.”1, However Socrates himself acknowledges a further set of charges against him, these are the “earliest charges”2 he refers to in the Apology, namely gossip in the Agora that has “tried to fill your minds with untrue accusations”3 against Socrates. These charges he holds as more dangerous because they stem from idle gossip and prejudice and are therefore unanswerable. Despite this, Socrates does his utmost to address all charges brought against him. In order to defend himself against these charges, Socrates calls on Meletus, his principal accuser, and interrogates him in the familiar form of the elenchus, or cross-examination. The first time the Socratic Method appears in the Apology is when Socrates tells the jury of his ‘divine mission’ when he systematically questions various levels of society such as Politicians, Poets and Craftsmen.
Why Socrates Refuse of Escape from Prison? Philosophical viewpoints can be problematic. This ancient Greek philosopher conviction to die was an inexcusable waste of an invaluable thinker for the humanity; and those feeling get even worse when I realize, as per ones understanding, he was a victim of such unfair incomprehensible circumstances. Therefore, throughout the portrait of his friends, colleges and students, Socrates leaves societies a great contribution to the field of ethics, political, civil, moral, and so on. To be able survive the pass of the times and even contribute to society thought the memories of other, Socrates –and any other that may accomplish this, I should say- have to be an outstanding human being.
SOCRATES is not A SOPHIST By Kelly D. Price Introduction to Philosophy Dr. Melvin Tuggle February 24 2011 Socrates was not a Sophist; he never took money for his teaching, and rejected sophistical arguments. Socrates was genuinely worried about why the young men were so disappointing. Socrates' young students had been a particular disappointment to him. If Socrates could figure out exactly how the fathers had failed to properly educate their sons, he could save the city and restore Athens to its former glory. Socrates’ interesting idea was that human excellence was really a kind of knowledge.
School of Thought Socrates’ school of thought is idealistic; for a man to be happy he must truly know himself (Moore, 2012). He also based his writings around the idea of: “how can we ever learn what we do not know?” (Kemerling, 2011). His belief was that we all had inherent knowledge from past lives that can be tapped and brought to the surface. Additionally, he felt that all men did what they thought was right; prior to his death, he is quoted in several different writings as stating “neither to do wrong or to return a wrong is ever right, not even to injure in return for an injury received…, not even under threat of death…, not even for one’s family…” (Nails, 2009). Socrates was not consistent in thought through his life and reached the idea that it
The main character in Birds, Clouds, Frogs did nothing with his life. He hated his job and went through life with no purpose. He was then given a chance to make a change in his life and possibly contribute a verse, yet didn’t take it, representing a negative example. On the other hand, in O Me! O Life!
The policies that Machiavelli created for new rulers were often considered cruel. He also developed a guide on how to govern. Socrates would not have agreed with his policies and guidelines of govern. Socrates and Machiavelli would have agreed that Socrates being on trial for teaching the youth of Athens topics that may cause a disagreement to the government. Socrates and Machiavelli repeatedly share ideas of government and politics.
One of the charges in the affidavit written by Meletus against Socrates is that he is an evil doer "corrupting the youth" (Grube). Another charge brought against Socrates is that he is making up new Gods and disregarding the old Gods the Athenians believe in (Grube). Socrates starts his defense by addressing the jury and telling them that his accusers had a prepared speech, while Socrates' speech will be completely improvised (Perel). Socrates continued to further disassociate himself from the opponents by telling the jury to forgive him for his conversational tone in his speech, for that is how he best speaks (Perel). Socrates asked the jury to focus on the substance of his defense, not how his defense is delivered.
Because of his occupation he’s not able to engage in public affairs (23b-c) iii. the young rich following him because they like to listen to his questioning (thus the accusation that he corrupts them) i. Socrates current accusers don’t know what he discusses so they’ve used the charges suggested by the earlier accusers i. Meletus defends the poets ii. Anytus: the craftsmen and politicians iii. Lycon: the orators C. The Later