Socrates in Plato's Apology

Socrates

In the Apology and Crito, Plato is showing two contrasting perspectives of Socrates. This takes place by demonstrating how he must engage in a form of civil disobedience by not following the different laws of Athens and questioning the motives of the trial as well as the loyalties of the jury. Yet, after he is sentenced to death, he refuses any kind of assistance in helping him escape from his friend Crito. (Plato, 2007)

In this case, Socrates feels that must respect the traditions and laws of Athens by accepting the punishment handed down. This is regardless of his personal feelings or views about the trial. To fully understand what is happening requires focusing on the tension in Plato's dialogues and if these contradictory positions can be reconciled. Together, these elements will highlight Plato's real intentions and the motives behind Socrates' actions. (Plato, 2007)

The Tension in Plato's Dialogues

In the Apology, Plato is showing how Socrates is being framed for questioning authority and corrupting the minds of young Athenians. This is based upon his philosophy of inquiring about everything in nature and trying to figure things out from an individual perspective. When this happens, a person can form their own opinions about the true meaning of life and have a clearer perspective of their own beliefs. (Plato, 2007)

However, Socrates' accusers believe that he is guilty of corruption. This is because his tactics are questioning acceptable social practices and the common views of Athenians. In response, Socrates admits that corruption must take place on a certain level in order to have a greater influence on the individual. This occurs from questioning different social customs, practices and ideas in the process. It is at this point, when the person will feel a sense of control over their lives and the lasting impacts upon them. (Plato, 2007)

In this aspect, there is tension in Plato's dialogues by showing how Socrates accepts the fact that he is corrupting the youth of Athens. Yet, he is claiming that this is for a larger purpose, in order to help to become better citizens through: having a clearer understanding of themselves and the world around them. Evidence of this can be seen with Plato writing, "Every Athenian, it seems, makes them fine and good except for me, and I alone corrupt them. Is this what you mean? Or isn't it the complete opposite of this: one individual can make them better, or very few, the horse-trainers, while the many corrupt the horses if they deal with them and use them? Don't the wicked always do something bad to those who are constantly closest to them, while the good do something good? Either I do not corrupt, or if I do corrupt, I do so unintentionally, so that you are lying either way. If I corrupt unintentionally, the procedure is not to prosecute me here for such offenses, but to take me aside privately and teach and admonish me, since it is clear that if I learn, I will cease doing what I do unintentionally. You, however, fled from me and were unwilling to associate with me and teach me, but prosecuted me here, where the procedure is to prosecute those who need punishment rather than instruction. For it looks to me as though he is saying contradictory things in his indictment, just as if he said 'Socrates is guilty of not acknowledging the gods, and of acknowledging the gods.' This is just like a riddler." (Plato, 2007)

These insights are highlighting the tension in Plato's dialogues in the Apology. As Socrates, is questioning the motives of those who put him on trial and bearing witness that he is corrupting the youth of Athens. While at the same time, Socrates admits that corruption is a part of gaining greater insights into the person and who they are. This is designed to show how he is being framed for doing nothing wrong. Instead, it is the establishment that fears Socrates and wants to have him silenced at all costs. The tension, is illustrating the motives behind the trial and how Socrates is thumbing his nose at: the proceedings, the jury along with the evidence. As a result, Plato is demonstrating social disobedience, by highlighting how anyone who questions authority will face a similar fate as Socrates. (Plato, 2007)

In Crito, Socrates has been found guilty of his crimes and is awaiting his death sentence in an Athenian prison cell. On an early morning, his friend Crito pays him a visit and offers to help him escape. He feels that if Socrates is able to go into exile, he can question the actions against him and offer a service to young adults though his guidance. (Plato, 2007)

However, Socrates refuses to accept Crito's offer. This is because he claims that he is a citizen of Athens and must follow their laws. The only way that he can stay in compliance with these moral obligations is to accept his fate. Evidence of this can be seen with Plato writing, "If we think that we're acting unjustly by doing these things, I don't think we should take into consideration whether we will die if we hold our ground and keep our peace, or anything else we will suffer, rather than whether we're acting unjustly. Do we say that we should never willingly act unjustly, or that we should in some instances and not in others? Or is acting unjustly never good or noble, as we often agreed on previous occasions? Whether the many agree or not, and whether we must additionally suffer harsher things than these or gentler, nevertheless acting unjustly is evil and shameful in every way for the person who does it. And so one should not repay an injustice with an injustice, as the many think, since one should never act unjustly. They must neither repay an injustice nor cause harm to any man, no matter what one suffers because of him. So think carefully about whether you yourself agree and believe it and let us begin thinking from here, that it is never right to act unjustly or to return an injustice or to retaliate when one has suffered some harm by repaying the harm." (Plato, 2007)

This is illustrating the tension in Plato's dialogues by offering a direct contradiction about Socrates' attitudes and beliefs from the Apology. During the proceedings, he questioned the motives and actions of those around him. While in Crito, Socrates is complacent about his fate and feels a moral obligation to see it through to the end. These different tensions are Plato's way of showing critical challenges through contrasting tones and dialogues. (Plato, 2007)