Socrates

Socrates is known for being a great philosopher in the Greek world, an atypical yet distinctive being. Unlike most philosophers of his time, Socrates taught and spread to his students' beliefs and ideologies that were controversial to what the society believed to be true and right. As a result, Socrates displeased many and caused internal conflict within a society. Socrates was put to trial, found guilty, and sentenced to death. Although it will be discussed and analyzed further in this commentary, the conviction and execution of Socrates was a deliberate choice made by the philosopher himself. Socrates sought not necessarily to persuade the jurors, but rather to lecture and provoke them.

Their first charge, a religious one, accused Socrates of speculations about the heavens and, therefore, resulted in rejection of the city's recognized gods. In addition he was accused of introducing new divinities. The second charge against Socrates was moral; Socrates was accused of making the "inferior" argument "superior" and of "corrupting" the "young" men (Jowett, page 3 and 7). Socrates began to express his portrait of wisdom and morality early in the Apology, which was written by Plato. In spite of what you would think, Socrates believed that the most significant and greatest of human wisdom consisted of one's perception of the utter significance of human knowledge.

Socrates makes the following arguments to defend his case and prove he is not guilty. Socrates provocatively tells his jury that he is a hero by comparing himself to Achilles. He does so in order to stand up for the nobility of justice, much like Achilles had done. In addition, Socrates prompts the jury of his exemplary service in three battles; making the argument that he stood up for the justice of his country even when his own life was threatened and at risk. More importantly, Socrates contends that he battled in order to save the souls of the Athenians, which would ultimately point them in the direction of an examined and ethical life. Although accused guilty, Socrates gave a defiant, yet decidedly unapologetic speech; he seemed to invite condemnation and death. He told the jury, according to Plato, the death was more appealing to him than giving up his soul saving. He stated, "Men of Athens, I honor and love you; but I shall obey God rather than you, and while I have life and strength I shall never cease from the practice and teaching of philosophy" (Classics, page 60). However, in proposing death, the accusers might well have expected to respond with a proposal for exile; a punishment that probably would have satisfied both them and the jury. Instead, Socrates audaciously proposes to the jury that he be rewarded, not punished.

Socrates, the defendant, makes compelling arguments to try and prove he is not guilty of the charges imposed upon him. He believed that his enemies were using his activities