Plato’s Apology of Socrates Study Paper.
Truth and justice are two of the most important virtues that have been known to exist
throughout most human generations. The importance of these attributes is vividly seen in the
process of ensuring peace and stability in the society. Socrates is one of the renowned
philosophers that made use of his own truths to record an apology that has been studied and
researched upon for years. Plato’s Apology of Socrates Study Paper. This apology was able to show how historical developments are predetermined by the existence of an all supreme being. At the same time, the apology that
Socrates wrote was meant to be a mind juggling masterpiece that would trigger the minds of men
to think critically about ethics and morality. This paper is a brief essay that analyzes Socrates as
a philosopher to evaluate how his apology makes him a radical or conservative person.
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Body of the essay
The apology is considered one of Socrates’ greatest accomplishments within his life as a
philosopher. The present volatile state within the government of Athens in Greek is what
triggered Socrates to develop a stand on the philosophy of politics. This scholar was concerned
with the manner in which the citizens of this country related ethics and politics with their daily
life (Plato and Church, 2008). Plato’s Apology of Socrates Study Paper. In the literature piece of the apology, Socrates conducts and
carries himself out in a way that portrays his inner most beliefs. According to him, he believes
that the people of Greece must not become complacent or content when it comes to issues of
politics (Plato and Cooper, 2000). Socrates is against this behavior because it would mean that
their country would be ruled in a manner that oppresses even the most basic human rights. The
use of the “elenchus” is supposed to trigger the minds of these citizens so they can think
critically about the current political situation of their country.The current system of government was unstable and it did not guarantee the future of its
citizens. Hence, the use of the “elenchus” by Socrates was a bright move that was also meant to
preserve morality and order in the society (Plato and Cooper, 2000). The “elenchus” can also be
viewed as a tool or tactic that could be utilized to help the people of Greece to discover the true
meaning and definition of societal and moral values and virtues. In so doing, Socrates hoped and
believed that he would be able to promote and enhance an in-depth understanding of the moral
virtues in a traditional way. Some of these values include truth, justice, courage, wisdom and
insights. Plato’s Apology of Socrates Study Paper. Moreover, this Greek philosopher also wanted his people to appreciate the role of these
virtues from the traditional way of life that the people are accustomed (Plato and Cooper, 2000).
Therefore, Socrates can be described as being conservative in the sense that he strives hard to
ensure that his people do not stray from the attributes that the community considered as social
norms.
On the other hand, Socrates also comes out as being a radical in the sense that he justifies
himself through a very different perspective. In the apology, his motive and conduct brings out
some radical issues. For instance, Socrates dares the people to believe in a higher power and
look beyond their own imaginations. Additionally, the narratives he used from Crito and the
republic as well (Plato and Cooper, 2000). He explains to the audience how these two figures are
important in understanding why change should be inevitable for the people living in Athens. The
“elenchus” helps Socrates a lot because he is able to question the people exhaustively on the
traditional values that they should uphold. What’s more, the “elenchus” also helps to understand
the motive behind Socrates’ insistence to maintain positive virtues. One of these motives stems
from the fact that Socrates had a strong connection to his spirituality.He believed that religion was very important to the existence and survival of humanity
(Plato and Cooper, 2000). In fact, Socrates emphasizes that is is critical for everyone to have at
least one super power or being that they believe. Plato’s Apology of Socrates Study Paper. To him, Socrates explains that his faith in God
has enabled him to understand the ways of his fellow men (Plato and Church, 2008). At the
same time, this Greek philosopher believes that the best life any person can have is one that is
pegged on religion. In addition, spirituality is a virtue that can help people to understand the true
and the real essence of their lives (Plato and Church, 2008). This manifestation of Socrates
makes him a radical person who is driven by the power to reveal the truth about how men and
women cling to false information and truths (Plato and Church, 2008). Plato’s Apology of Socrates Study Paper.
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Hence, his revelation through the apology was meant to enlighten them and make their
beliefs accurate than they were. For instance, Socrates shows that people do not have exact or
correct information about death and how it occurs. This explains why even when he is sentenced
to death, he is not afraid because by so doing, he will be able to increase the knowledge about
this revered topic. The vengeful plot that is hatched by Meletus is contradictory to the teachings
of Socrates. Meletus is determined to destroy Socrates and that is why he plans to expose
Socrates in bad light (Plato and Church, 2008). This is seen when the Odysseus seek for their
revenge against Parmedes. These illustrations are enough proof of the fact that Socrates was
highly conservative. However, his daring approach to question the people on their spiritual and
political beliefs brings out his radical side. Plato’s Apology of Socrates Study Paper.
Therefore, Socrates can be described as being both a radical and conservative person. In
overall, his conservative side is more pronounced when compared to his radical status because he
is more determined to show his people the importance of traditional values (Plato and Cooper,
2000). Plato helps to explain these concepts because he depicts how the apology is of great value and importance. The utterances by Socrates during his trial and captivating and moving such that
they trigger the masses to meditate on what he says. Socrates follows a strong divine force which
is greater than his own interests and concerns. This is why he accepts death willingly because he
knows that this is beyond his power and control (Plato and Cooper, 2000). The fact that Socrates
did not object to his death could be explained as a true essence and the portrayal of selflessness.
Ultimately, Socrates remains one of the celebrated philosophers who was able to transform and
revolutionize the critical line of thought for most scholars and sociologists.
Conclusion
The account of Socrates through his literal writings provides a useful approach of
understanding social values and beliefs. The apology is one such piece that is a rare exhibition of
truth, wisdom and sanity. Socrates is able to illustrate the reasons why people should not become
too fixated on the current political situation, but should instead embrace a dynamic approach to
all aspects of their lives. This is where Socrates urges the citizens of Greece to avoid being
complacent or content with things that are not right. The use of the “elenchus” comes in handy
to show why critical thinking is important to human survival. As such, the radical and
conservative nature of Socrates is valuable in highlighting the social virtues and beliefs that he
thinks are fundamental. In overall, the true essence of preserving morality and ethics is very
instrumental towards the achievement of a fully functional and stable society. Plato’s Apology of Socrates Study Paper.
References
Plato, ., & Church, F. J. (2008). The trial and death of Socrates: Being the Euthyphron, Apology,
Crito and Phaedo of Plato. Kila, Mont: Kessinger.
Plato, ., & In Cooper, L. (2000). Plato on the trial and death of Socrates: Euthyphro, Apology,
Crito, Phaedo. Ithaca, N.Y: Cornell University Press.
Plato’s Apology of Socrates Study Paper.