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Philosophy as Defined by Socrates in The Apology

            The apology by Plato is a dialogue given by Socrates during his defence for corrupting the youth and not believing in the gods of the city. Socrates in his defence explains to the people of Athens his views and their origins. The role of philosophy offers one a language of expression that functions within a definable context and a manner of life which serves as an existential option. As a language of expression firstly, Socrates commonly articulated himself in a manner not ordinary to the everyday man of Athens; his ideas were in the pursuit of truth and wisdom in the form of inquiry and discussion. Secondly, philosophy as an existential option can easily be witnessed by observing how Socrates lived his life. .
             Philosophy offered Socrates a language of expression that allowed him to convey his words within a definable context. Pierre Hadot in his book of Ancient Philosophy defines this language of expression as a Philosophical Discourse. He highlights how a "philosophical discourse is an expression of the existential option of the person who utters it" (Hodot, 2002:176). Truth and the pursuit of wisdom are two ideas which always highlighted the Socratic discourse. This is easily witnessed in the opening of the Apology as Socrates utters the words, "My accusers, then, as I state, have said little or nothing that is true: but you shall hear from me the whole truth" (Woodhead, 1953:31). It is a fact that Socrates wanted nothing but to speak the truth and be judged justly. His language of expression which seeks to discover the truth can also be witnessed by analyzing the manner in which Socrates defends himself against each charge brought against him. Firstly in his defence for corrupting the youth for example, Socrates breaks down the accusation and redefines it in a clearer manner, devoid of any ambiguous slander against him. He denotes the false notion that he is a teacher by highlighting how he has never taken money for his lessons.


Essays Related to Philosophy as Defined by Socrates in The Apology

1. An Analysis of Socratic Irony in The Apology

Plato was known for his use of irony in his writings, and when Socrates addresses the court in "The Apology," these aspects are apparent to most readers. According to The Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy, the Socratic method of teaching is "the method of teaching in which the master imparts no information, but asks a sequence of questions, through answering which the pupil eventually comes to the desired knowledge. ... Socratic irony is separately defined in the dictionary as "Socrates's irritating tendency to praise his hearers while undermining them, or to disparage his own sup...

  • Word Count: 2531
  • Approx Pages: 10
  • Has Bibliography
  • Grade Level: Undergraduate

2. The Apology vs the Crito

The Apology and the Crito relate the philosophical story of Socrates. ... In the Apology, Socrates exclaims that if the jury decides to forbid him from ever practicing philosophy again, then he will disobey that order. ... In the Apology, Socrates reveals that his purpose is to become a gadfly to Athens. ... For Socrates, it is not merely living, but the principle of living virtuously, that defines his behavior. ... This is the most vague and difficult of all of Socrates" philosophies. ...

  • Word Count: 1565
  • Approx Pages: 6
  • Has Bibliography
  • Grade Level: High School

3. Socrates and Confucius

In Plato's, The Apology of Socrates, Socrates was accused and on trial for two charges: that he had corrupted the youth of Athens with his teachings, and, that he advocated the worship of false gods. ... In response to this, Socrates suggests that Euthyphro could educate him more about religious matters and so Socrates asked him, "How do you define the holy and the unholy?... " Socrates still rejects this definition, and they going back and forth trying to define the question, and they never got to agree on a definition. ... When Socrates was faced with the choice to live, and...

  • Word Count: 1881
  • Approx Pages: 8
  • Has Bibliography
  • Grade Level: High School

4. Socrates

Introduction Life is the most precious, unique, and complex defining feature of individuals. ... Its uniqueness defines who we are as individuals. Finally, its complexity forces us to understand that we are helpless in controlling many aspects that define it. ... His work proved to be the major turning point in separating philosophy from other sciences. It has been said that science is what we think we know, and philosophy is what we are sure we don't know. ...

  • Word Count: 8371
  • Approx Pages: 33
  • Has Bibliography
  • Grade Level: High School

5. Plato's apology

The Apology Can you imagine how much pressure a person must feel to know that the all-knowing oracle, a prophetic deity of wise counsel, proclaims you the wisest of all men? ... The first major contrast between both methods of philosophy is that Socrates does not charge for his services. ... He approached things analytically and sought clear defined perception. ... According to Socrates, a philosopher should relinquish his sense perceptions when it comes to philosophy because they hinder our ability to seek truth. ... He tried to portray an image of an innocent old man who lives for p...

  • Word Count: 1043
  • Approx Pages: 4
  • Grade Level: High School

6. The Brilliant Works of Plato

Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle: collectively, these men are arguably the three most significant philosophers in the history of western philosophy. ... As he grew and learned from the world around him and from Socrates, Plato developed his own unique style of philosophy, based around the Socratic method. ... Another influence on his writing was likely the trial and execution of Socrates, which comprises three of his works; The Apology, Crito, and Phaedo. ... Like I said above, The Apology, Crito, and Phaedo are all about Socrates' trial and execution. ... It cannot be sharply defined, it ...

  • Word Count: 1563
  • Approx Pages: 6

7. Antigone Versus Socrates in the Crito

Antigone's predicament coincides in many ways with Socrates' ethical dilemma in Plato's "Apology- and the "Crito."" ... He knows himself that doing philosophy every day is the greatest good. ... Then the court orders him to abandon philosophy on pain of death. ... However, while Socrates' takes in account both sides of the argument in the "Crito- and "Apology,"" Antigone's argument has some flaws. ... Thus Socrates in the Crito recognizes the validity of, exercising one's own moral judgment when it results from careful reasoning from philosophy -- as well as foll...

  • Word Count: 1730
  • Approx Pages: 7
  • Grade Level: High School

8. Plato's Main Ideas on Religion

The proposals of Plato selected to be discussed will adhere to a general definition that religion is "a strong belief in a supernatural power that control human destiny".1 This will enable an appropriate scope into the discussion, and allow us to explore ideas beyond defining religion as simply codified practises of prayer, ritual and religious law, as these were not substantial within Plato's work. ... Some accredit Plato with the invention of philosophy, while A. ... These cosmological debates within western religious philosophy have been influenced by the works of Plato. ... ...

  • Word Count: 2979
  • Approx Pages: 12
  • Has Bibliography
  • Grade Level: Undergraduate

9. Plato and MLK's Views on Ethical Behavior

The line between ethical and unethical standards is very difficult to define. ... In The Apology, Socrates never once apologized for his pursuit to serve and improve his society, which was a moral obligation for him. ... Instead, he prays for the souls of all those who have wronged him, similar to Socrates when he was executed in the end of the apology. ... We see a philosophy provided by Dr. King, Jr. that is similar to Socrates' views. ...

  • Word Count: 1379
  • Approx Pages: 6
  • Grade Level: High School

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