Essay on Analysis of Platos Apology - 1445 Words

The Apology is Platos recollection and interpretation of the Trial of Socrates (399 BC). In this dialogue Socrates explains who he is and what kind of life he led. The Greek word apologia means explanation -- it is not to be confused with apologizing or being sorry for ones actions. The following is an outline of the argument or logos that Socrates used in his defense. A hypertext treatment of this dialogue is also available. I. Prologue (17a-19a) The first sentence sets the tone and direction for the entire dialogue. Socrates, in addressing the men of Athens, states that he almost forgot who he was. The speeches of his accusers had led him to this point. The dialogue will thus be a kind of recollecting by Socrates†¦show more content†¦And no rational person voluntarily harms himself. But if he harmed the youth involuntarily, then he should be instructed (educated) -- not punished. Regarding the Charge of Impiety Socrates next takes up the charge of Impiety. Could a person believe in things like clothes and yet not in human beings who wear them? So too with divine things: Since Socrates believes in a Diamon (a divine thing), it follows that he believes in divinities. IV. Socrates Interpretation of his Art (28b - 32e) Socrates, far from being an impious corruptor of the youth, is actually a blessing sent by the gods. To show this, Socrates likens himself to a GADFLY (a horsefly). Just as a gadfly constantly agitates a horse, preventiung it from becoming sluggish and going to sleep so too Socates, by (moving through the City) stirring up conversations in the marketplace, prevents the City from becoming sulggish and careless and intolerant (thinking it knows something when it doesnt). Ultimately, Socrates whole life had been a service to the City begun out of a pious response to the saying of the gods. This is the deeper refutation of the charges. It is also another positive image of Socrates: He IS a gadfly. V. Socrates Answers the Charges (33a-34b) [Notice the general movement of the defense -- Who Socrates IS NOT: He is NOT a Physicalist; he is NOT a Sophist. Who Socrates IS:Show MoreRelatedPlatos Apology And Crito Analysis1873 Words   |  8 PagesTensions between moral philosopher and the faithful citizen of the polis are highlighted in Plato’s Apology and Crito. In the Apology, Socrates is faced with a death sentence at the hands of the state, but ironically is unapologetic in his discourse while defending himself. The Crito, however, displays Socrates in a dialogue where he chooses to engage and characterize the laws as a means of arguing for his faithfulness to the decision of the polis. 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Defending principles of justice with logic and reason in the face of political opposition, is a difficult task to take, but the elusive Socrates boldly undertook this endeavor. In Plato’s Apology, he recalls the daring defence of the principles of truth that Socrates took against all odds. Plato’s recollections, much like the trial of