Platos Apology And Crito Analysis - 1873 Words

Tensions 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. Indeed, he uses the laws as a rhetorical device, affirming his attachment to the city and his duty to receive his punishment through the words of a largely unchallenged force which he gives life to. One could argue that these two dialogues are purely adversative, and that within them there is no†¦show more content†¦The Apology presents a dialogue that eludes to Socrates’ accepting law breaking under certain circumstances. Socrates is depicted as a man who stands for what he believes in, regardless of the law. Socrat es expresses this to the jury stating, â€Å"I, men of Athens, salute you and love you, but I will obey the god rather than you† (Apology, 29d2-3) Socrates even could be seen as pardoning disobedience here. Socrates continues in the Apology to defy the potential ruling of the jury by stating that, â€Å"I shall never cease from the practice and teaching of philosophy, exhorting anyone whom I meet after my manner, and convincing him†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Apology, 29d). The charges being discussed are that of corrupting the youth and not believing in the gods of the state, but Socrates disagreed with the heavily. Socrates, regarding his teaching and lifetime of work, stated, â€Å"For this is the command of God, as I would have you know; and I believe that to this day no greater good has ever happened in the state than my service to the God† (Apology, 29d). Thus, the Apology presents a theme that to do what one believes regardless of the civil implications, but only when pursu ing a moral decision. In Plato’s Crito, Socrates establishes a foundation that necessitates obedience to the Laws that are responsible for keeping the city in a state of sustained order. While Socrates may have been sent to prison and condemned to death as a result of societal injustice (or for refusing to submit to the state), heShow MoreRelatedThe Presentation of Socrates Arguements in Plato’s Apology and Crito792 Words   |  4 PagesIn both Plato’s Apology and Crito, Plato presents Socrates arguments clearly and precisely. Socrates is wise man with a different perspective on life, which presents us with a mass of contradictions. Socrates is an expressive man, yet he never recorded any works. He is ignorant, but wrongfully convicted who is willing to fight his unjust execution. Behind these dilemmas is an opposition not often explored. Socrates is the most patriotic of philosophers, who is dedicated to his state. Exploring thisRead MoreThe Reconciliation Of Two Positions1696 Words   |  7 PagesSocrates is renowned for standing up for his beliefs even in the midst of death as portrayed in Plato’s account of Socrates’ defense speech, Apology, in which he gave during his 339 B.C. trial. It is in this eminent speech that Socrates is able show the dedication he has for philosophy, even going as far as to say that he would rather die than to ever cease practicing philosophy. On the other hand, in the Crito, a dialogue between Socrates and one of his faithful friends also written by Plato, the readerRead MorePlatos Views on Life after Death1388 Words   |  6 PagesPlatos views on life after death were manifold, and developed over time as an examination of a bevy of his literature readily indicates. 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My position: I am in disagreement with this statement and my analysis, based on contextual evidence, is as follows: Although I could argue the question posited above from either position, as many have done before and, as many will continue to do after me, I do not believe that Socrates waivers in his beliefs between the two accounts according to Plato. Read MorePlatoSocrates Excellence in Virtue3650 Words   |  15 Pagesa great deal about him from one of his students, Plato. It is in Plato’s report of Socrates’ trial a work entitled, Apology, and a friend’s visit to his jail cell while he is awaiting his death in Crito, that we discover a man like no other. Socrates was a man following a path he felt that the gods had wanted him to follow and made no excuses for his life and they way he lived it. The passage I have chosen from Plato’s Apology is the main passage to which Socrates believed in until his deathRead MoreThe Concept Of Individual Rights1787 Words   |  8 Pagesflourishing personal identity and a flourishing community when a mutually beneficial goal seems to interfere with an exclusive goal; oftentimes, individuals reject making personal sacrifices unless they can see immediate, personal results. The Apology and Crito, written by Plato on the behalf of Socrates, explore the higher ethical concerns that dominated Socrates’ personal life and philosophy, and thus explore his view on how the society and individual should interact. The Republic expresses the viewsRead MoreWhat Are The Charges Against Socrates?1019 Words   |  5 PagesPHIL 1301 30 October 2015 What are the charges against Socrates as recorded in the Apology. Is he guilty of them? Why or why not? 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