If Socrates was ugly, and conventional wisdom during Nietzsche's time was that criminals were ugly, is it not possible to argue that Socrates was not a great man at all, but, in fact, a criminal? And because criminals are seen as decadent, can we not also say Socrates was also decadent? If these things are true, then Nietzsche can feel justified in saying that Socrates was not a great man and that all of the people that followed him through the leadership of Plato were also symptomatic of all that was wrong with Socrates and his form of
Validity in the Charges of Impiety against Socrates Impiety is commonly defined as a lack of proper concern for the obligations owed to public religious observation. Plato’s Apology consists of a speech made by Socrates, a well-known philosopher, in defense of his life and conduct at his trail. Socrates was accused of being impious through accusations such as corrupting the youth of Athens, not recognizing the gods that are recognized by the state, as well as inventing new deities. The question then becomes, with these accusations in mind, are the charges of impiety against Socrates valid? This question is not easy to answer, and is in fact, quite complex.
The first was that he was teaching new gods not recognized by the Athenians. The second was that he was corrupting the youth with his ideas and beliefs. He had arguments to defend himself but it wouldn't do much because he was one individual going against the community. The three aspects of identity and the social environment are addressed many times in this novel. Socrates was one man being accused by another man, Meletus, and was going to be judged by the jury, or the community.
It was a few men who belittled Socrates that conducted the charge on Socrates. These men signified those that Socrates scrutinized in his exploration to find out just how true the Delphic Oracle really was. Regarding his studies, Socrates had come to realize that not one of the men supported their assumption on what they knew was true as it was indeed entirely false. Being proven wrong by Socrates made the men so annoyed and irritated at him that they grouped as one and indicted Socrates. Showing that he is full of knowledge and proving his own innocence is what made the men indict him as they also did not want to feel embarrassed by
Phislosophy 231 Crito & Legal Obligation. Omar Alli 11/3/11 Socrates has been accused of corrupting the youth by Meletus and also creating new Gods, while not recognizing the old Gods. Socrates is eventually convicted of these crimes and sentenced to death. While at the state prison awaiting his execution, Socrates is approached by his friend Crito who has come in an attempt to convince Socrates to escape with him to avoid his execution. Crito puts forth many arguments to why Socrates should escape with him, however after engaging in a dialogue with Socrates, Socrates shoots down all of Crito's arguments.
And still, some may also see the crime as just or unjust, and not everyone will have the same opinion about the matter (8). Socrates then restates his earlier question as to how Euthyphro can still prove that proceeding against his father could be seen as just in the eyes of all the gods (8). Because of these statements, it is much harder to tell if it would be at all possible to prove Euthyphro's side of things. Though it would seem that he is getting closer to proving his own beliefs since it is his job to prosecute the wrong-doer, Socrates still wants him to understand the morals behind his
The Athenian government disapproved of Socrates' philosophies because they thought he corrupted the minds of the youth and that he didn't respect the Greek gods. In 399 B.C. Socrates was put on trial for his wrong doings.
Ironically though, Socrates was put to death because of some of his thoughts. Apparently, a too examined life was also not worth living through the eyes of his executioner(s). This shows a strong tie to religion and the limiting factors of Greek civilization. Despite all the ostracizing, philosophy was destined to expand. Aristotle was one of the many who continued the tradition.
To this definition, there is no truth to his conviction. Amazed by his accusers, Socrates warns his fellow Athenians of the accusations “so persuasively did they (accusers) speak, and yet they hardly uttered a word of truth (Plato 1089).” Socrates was born a curious man, one that questions anything and everything taking nothing for granted. After completion of his quest to find someone wiser then him, Socrates comes to the realization that he is only the wisest man because he “knows that he knows nothing (Plato 1092).” Realizing this, he decides that it is this divine mission in life to go about the world “obedient to the god, to search and enquiry into the wisdom of any one, whether citizen or stranger, who appears to be wise; and if he is not wise, then in vindication for the oracle show him that he is not wise (Plato 1093),” for “the truth is, O men of Athens, that God is only wise (Plato 1093).” Socrates is trying to show everyone that the wisdom of man has little or no meaning at all, but those that he questions take insult because they do not like that “their pretence of knowledge has been detected (Plato
Socrates was a seeker of self-knowledge and had strong beliefs. He spent most of his life questioning the citizens of Athens on their views and ideas. He was accused of corrupting the youth and by asking questions that ultimately undermined society. During his trial he attempted to deny all accusations against him to prove his innocence. However, he was unsuccessful in his attempt and was found guilty of his accusations and sentenced to death.