Madman or Genius? Some tend to think either one or the other. I believe Socrates, by far the most interesting person I've ever studied, is neither. When we are first introduced to Socrates, it is in a court room before 501 jurors (pg.20). Yet although his life is on the line, Socrates does not act like a typical victim pleading for his life, he actually does the opposite. Instead of begging for his freedom, he persists to prove his innocence on his own. This is why I believe Socrates is not a genius, or madman, but an unsung hero.
Most commonly defined as a person noted for feats of courage, nobility and selflessness, a hero such as Socrates was easily overlooked the day of his execution. Socrates believed that asking questions and finding the truth were more important than thinking yourself wise when in fact you were not (pg. 24, 21b-e). Therefore, he developed a numerous amount of disapproved slanders from those he offended by falsifying their claim to wisdom. Yet, the unselfishness he displayed when he was on trial for this crime was immense. He strived to show the people in the courtroom that he cared more about there knowledge of the truth and of being wise than he did for his own life, even though they were putting him on trial. This was easily portrayed in the quote, "if you kill the sort of man I say I am, you will not harm me more than yourselves" (pg. 33,30c-d). By saying this, I believe Socrates was stating that so many people were unaware of how to find truth, and they would only hurt themselves by killing the one who could teach them how to do so. .
Even though he was under verbal attack and had little chance of persuading the jury, Socrates managed to defeat the accusations against him. Among the accusers trying to convict Socrates, were a poet named Meletus, a craftsman named Anytus, and an Orator named Lycon, who had all been previously humiliated by Socrates because of there lack of knowledge(pg.
Throughout his endeavors Socrates found his virtue. ... "But Socrates, what is your occupation? ... Yet Socrates says he is not. ... In this respect, Socrates was wiser than any man. ... This is why Socrates did not cease his philosophy. ...
I will demonstrate this first through Meletus' charge that Socrates does not believe in the gods (Apol. 26c9-10). ... In regards to the charge that Socrates corrupts the youth (Apol. 24b8-9), Socrates gave a seemingly strong defense, but, under further inspection, his main counterargument lacks some crucial logic. ... This logic is faulty, because when Socrates teaches his ideas, one either can choose to ignore what he says, and not become corrupted, or agree with Socrates' teachings. In the case that someone does believe his ideas, Socrates suggested that we wait for someone to...
In terms of political wisdom as an ideology Socrates easily explains it with the roles of the guardians in his city. ... Moderation, Socrates thought had to do with everyone having only what they needed to survive. ... This was an ideology that Socrates really believed in, moderation and the collective sharing of goods and services. In Book IV we see Socrates talking about justice and the just individual. ... Bing a just individual according to Socrates is finding a balance on these three things....
Socrates is never trying to win at the trial. ... However, we can feel the humbleness of Socrates. ... However, Socrates finds this is not the truth. ... What Socrates means is he believes Meletus doesn't really care about if Socrates corrupts youth or is impious. ... Socrates insults Meletus and the powerful people like him, so they wish to get ride of Socrates through this trial so that Socrates won't damage their benefit. ...
Socrates asked Meletos if he thinks it is important for the younger generation to be good as possible. ... (25B)" which means that of all the Athenians, Socrates is the only person guilty of corrupting the youth. ... Secondly, Socrates was accused by Meletos for not believing in the gods. Meletos said to Socrates and the gentle of the jury that he believes in no gods at all. ... But Meletos came to Socrates and claimed that Socrates believes in the spirituality and teaches others to believe in this spiritual matter. ...
Socrates is known to be one of the greatest philosophers of all time. ... Socrates was born in 469 BC in Athens. ... Socrates lost the case and was convicted him by a vote of 280 to 221. ... I believe that Socrates is one of the greatest philosophers I have read about. ... To me Socrates emphasized on true knowledge and wisdom. ...
Socrates clearly didn't wish to die. ... Socrates predicted that he would be sentenced to death, and he accepted it, rather than sacrifice his integrity. ... From the outset, Socrates defended himself against his prosecutors. ... Socrates' acceptance of death is not the same as a desire for death. ... It's clear in "The Apology" that Socrates does not wish to die. ...
Using reason, Socrates could infer truths and undermine any statement. ... His Life Socrates was born in 470 B.C., in Athens, Greece. ... Socrates was an only child, who desired attention throughout his life. ... "And Xanthippe," said Socrates, "is the mother of my children. ... Socrates had an interesting perspective on his unmanageable wife. ...
Socrates in his defence explains to the people of Athens his views and their origins. ... It is a fact that Socrates wanted nothing but to speak the truth and be judged justly. ... This is perfectly highlighted by Socrates follow up statement after Meletus points out Socrates worships demigods. ... Socrates lived his life primarily to attain truth and good moral judgement. ... Socrates was also a poor man as he never charged anyone for his teachings. ...
From Socrates's point of view, he believes that death is like sleep. ... Ironically, Socrates makes a conflict point when he compares dreamless sleep to death. ... Socrates's idea of unrighteousness is clear and sound. ... What makes Socrates so brave is his belief in being a good person. ... Realistically, not everyone has the strong belief like Socrates does. ...
