Socrates Defense Essay - 843 Words

The accusers, Meletos, Anytos, and Lycon, are all young and trying to make a name for themselves. They begin by telling everyone not to be deceived and to take caution because Socrates is a â€Å"clever speaker†. According to Socrates, the difference between him and his accusers is that he speaks the truth. He is on trial for two items, which include, corrupting the youth and impiety. Socrates tells everyone that he has no experience with the court and he will speak the way he is used to by being honest and direct. Socrates explains that his behavior is from the oracle of Apollo at Delphi. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; The oracle was asked if anyone was wiser than Socrates was. The answer was no, there was no man wiser. He could not believe†¦show more content†¦The other possibility is that he does not corrupt them at all. Third, in frustration, Meletos accuses Socrates of being nonbeliever, at the same time he claims Socrates teaches new gods. Thus, Meletos contradicts himself. Socrates argues that fear of death is foolish, because it is not known if death is a good or an evil, thus there is no reason to fear death. Socrates claims that his mission is in service to God. Socrates does not throw himself on the mercy of the court. Many would bring in their children to win pity. However, he does mention that he has three young children and he tells the jury about their responsibility to ignore the appeals to pity and judge the truth. Despite Socrates speech, the jury finds him guilty as charged. Meletos proposes death as punishment. Instead, Socrates proposes retirement in a home for benefactors of the state. He examines possible penalties: death, imprisonment, a fine, or exile. The jury sentences him to death. Socrates remarks that his internal, guiding voice, which at times would warn him to refrain from certain actions, had not once interrupted his actions in his defense. If Socrates finds that they believe themselves to be wiser than they really are, he points out their mistake, thus educates them and himself. [Socrates], â€Å" For if you put me to death, you will not easily find such another, really like something stuck on the state by the god,Show MoreRelatedDefense of Socrates1888 Words   |  8 PagesApology: Defence Of Socrates By: Gregory Klima Apology Defense Of Socrates Plato s The Apology is an account of the speech Socrates makes at the trial in which he is charged with the following 1) Not recognizing the gods recognized by the state 2) Corrupting the youth of Athens For the most part, Socrates spoke in a very plain, conversational manner, as one would speak to a friend or lecture a child. 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