But the Athenians rejected their offer by saying that they would not be much affected by their hostility but on the other hand their friendship would prove a sign of their weakness and they would be considered coward to allow such a small and insignificant island to not be ruled by them. The Melians questioned the justice of the Athenians by asking that how fair it is to treat a neutral nation equally with its colonies or rebels. But the Athenians refused to look at things from their point and argued that by conquering the Melians they would not only increase their size but also security. The second argument presented by the Melians was that in case of a war, the Spartans would come to their rescue as a return of favor done
And to find out some answers, we need to go through Plato’s dialogues, “Crito” and “Phaedo”. This conversation between Socrates and his dearest closer friends and fellows, may bring us some of the answers…if we have the good sense of reading it more than once. After been convicted in Athens for corrupting the youth and not believing in Gods, Socrates was given the chance to scape to another city to save his life.
The ancient text Crito by Plato is a staged dialogue between Socrates and Crito in which is attempting Crito offers numerous arguments to encourage Socrates escape imprisonment. Crito emphasizes that if Socrates does not escape, no one would believe that he had cooperatively faced execution. That the people of Athens would fault Crito for not helping Socrates, assuming that he values his money more than the life of his close friend. Crito argues that there are other states in which Socrates has allies that will keep him safe and continues to emphasis that he should not easily give in to his enemies. However, Socrates argues against Crito’s proposal to help using few arguments.
Boor shows this when he writes, “So you figured it would be better if I just hated myself” (265). The only reason his parents told him the truth is Paul confronted them. While they admitted that he had a right to know, they justified their reason for not telling him earlier. Paul may have understood that his parents’ love led to their over protection but he probably distrusted his parents and their ability to tell him the whole truth. Paul’s parents’ choices changed the direction of his life.
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.
He also shows that the people cannot know what is good for them in the long run and will only chose politicians and laws that seem a good idea at the time, without considering the consequences. Plato also illustrates this flaw in politicians and the people in simile of the powerful beast. He describes the
America is a free country and I agree with the opposing person that wouldn’t go because it forced on them. I believe you should have a choice in a decision that your life is at risk. At the same time I can see where sometimes it’s necessary to force people to serve because if everyone had the choice not to serve most people wouldn’t. I just think its wrong to force anything on someone especially when it has to with you possibly dying. People running away from not going to war can be a good or bad depending on whom the person is.
Makyla T. Pittman Prof Bristol ENG 090/Paper #2 2 October 2010 The Pursuit of Truth and Justice In the dialogue “Crito” we read of the last days of Socrates before his execution to take place in Athens. In this discussion between two friends, Crito proposes a plan to help Socrates to escape from prison. Throughout the conversation, Socrates considers the proposal, trying to decide whether escaping would be honorable and morally justified. Socrates poses the question, “Ought one to fulfill all one’s agreements, provided that they are right, or break them” (Plato 319).Being dishonorable and incorrect in judgment and procedure is not in line with the principles and ideals that he adheres to in his existence. Both Socrates and Crito present arguments for why he should or should not escape and the reasons behind each respective decision.
He asked Euthyphro this question to test his intellect and she if he is indeed as smart as he claims. Euthyphro gave several answers to the question. Piety is doing as I am doing; that is to say, prosecuting anyone who is guilty of murder, sacrilege, or of any similar crime—whether he be your father or mother, or whoever he may be—that makes no difference; and not to prosecute them is impiety (Plato & Jowett, n.d). Socrates is not satisfied with the answer Euthyphro has given to
Conversely, in pain is found certain benefits or pleasure as Socrates calls it. A practical example is Socrates himself finding relief after he was removed from his bonds. Socrates offers the view that every philosopher needs to be excited about the prospect of death. After offering this opinion though Socrates is quick to point out that it is wrong for man to take his own life. To Socratres man did not own his life, rather, the gods did.