As we have learned that in the year 399BC the Athenian philosopher Socrates was brought to trial and sentenced to death. It is due to the three counts that Socrates was charged; that being impiety, that is not recognizing the Gods recognized by Athens, introducing new Gods or divinities and lastly for corrupting the youth of Athens. And it is these charges that were brought against him by Meletus and Anytus. At the time Socrates was 70 years old and had become a widely recognized citizen of Athens, therefore allowing the trial to leave its stain on history forever. It is Socrates ‘defense’ at the trial that gave rise to a great piece of philosophical literature being that of Plato’s apology. We understand that the apology is an account of Socrates defense written by Plato who was present at the trial. However, Socrates’ apology was not merely a speech or defense; it is a literary testimony of his life and ultimately, his philosophy. Through investigating Socrates’ defense and noting how successful his defense was, can we justify whether to find Socrates guilty or not guilty of the counts he was faced with? Ultimately we will consider the possibilities of Socrates innocence through the justifications of his apolo
This excerpt is a subject of much debate regarding the apology, Socrates a man renowned for his dialogues and eloquent speeches, says he is not clever with words and phrases like an orator. Literally many people have found fault with Socrates statement, thinking that this falsehood of his orating skills he has presented us with defiantly weakened his case. Especially since the speech that follows is on high literal regard. However, was Socrates really trying to be deceitful? At a philosophical level it seems that Socrates is trying to tell us something else. Socrates knows that being a clever speaker is synonymous with deception and persuasion. Yet, he as we know is a brilliant orator but his apology was not about deception, it is about the true Socrates and his beliefs. Ultimately he is telling us that a virtue we should thrive for is to speak truthfully and be persuaded by the truth rather than flattery of the public opinion.
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