Socratic argument and the trial of Socrates in Plato's Apology

Socratic Argument

In the Apology, Socrates is being placed on trial by three of his rivals for different activities that he is accused of being involved in. The most notable include: corrupting the youth of Athens and not supporting the same religious beliefs as everyone else. During the trial, his enemies are utilizing these charges to demonstrate how he knowingly engaged in these actions. They are demanding that he apologize for the crimes that he committed and begin to conform to the most common practices in contemporary society. (Plato, 2000) ("The Apology," 2012) ("Analysis of the Apology," 2010)

However, Socrates uses this as a forum to ridicule these individuals, question the legitimacy of the trial and to defend himself. This is problematic, as these cavalier attitudes will eventually lead to him being found guilty and sentenced to death. To fully understand what is taking place requires carefully examining his key arguments and how they influenced the jury. Together, these elements will highlight the way he presented his case and the lasting impact. (Plato, 2000) ("The Apology," 2012) ("Analysis of the Apology," 2010)

Main Arguments in the Apology

In the Apology, Socrates tells the jury how their minds have been influenced by his enemies. They are focused on destroying him at all costs and are jealous of his success. This is because he is more intellectual and sophisticated than they are. These individuals cannot stand the fact that he is wiser than them and wants to discredit him at any cost. (Plato, 2000) ("The Apology," 2012) ("Analysis of the Apology," 2010)

Evidence of this can be seen with Socrates saying, "There have been many who have accused me for many years now, and none of their accusations are true. These earlier ones, however, are more so gentleman; they got a hold of your from childhood, persuaded you and accused me quite falsely. They are saying that there is a man named Socrates. He is a wise man, a student of all things in the sky and below the Earth who make the worst arguments stronger." This is illustrating how Socrates believes that he is being framed by his enemies. These arguments are based upon the fact that he is questioning their views of the world and how they see everyone around them. (Plato, 2000) ("The Apology," 2012) ("Analysis of the Apology," 2010)

Next, Socrates claims that he is on a divine mission. This is occurring from his ability to question the ideas of the gods and provide more clarity about the insights of the oracle. According to him, an ignorant man could be misunderstood and is in fact wise. This is because there are many theologians, scholars and poets who are well respects in contemporary society. However, when someone is examining their different works, they will often seem ambiguous and confusing. Only after careful reflection and analysis can everyone gain a greater understanding of these concepts. (Plato, 2000) ("The Apology," 2012) ("Analysis of the Apology," 2010)

As a result, Socrates argues that questioning everything has helped him to have a different perspective of the world around him. When this happens, he is able to provide more insights about the underlying meaning of various social norms and customs. It is at this point that he claims ignorant minds are trying to negatively influence his beliefs (which are leading to the trial and false charges against him). (Plato, 2000) ("The Apology," 2012) ("Analysis of the Apology," 2010)

This is significant in showing how he is supporting the ideas of the deities and traditional theological norms. However, what makes him different is that Socrates is willing to question the interpretations of them and look for more empowering answers. It is from these actions that his enemies are using this. In order, to demonstrate that he is an annoying busy body, who is unwilling to accept or support these ideas. (Plato, 2000) ("The Apology," 2012) ("Analysis of the Apology," 2010)

A third argument that is made by Socrates is that the laws of the deities are superior to that of humankind. When there is a clash between the two is the point that everyone should follow those from a higher moral authority. In this case, he argues that his interpretations are utilized to provide better insights about them and the best practices everyone should be embracing in their daily life. (Plato, 2000) ("The Apology," 2012) ("Analysis of the Apology," 2010)

A good example of this can be seen with Socrates saying, "Gentlemen, I am your grateful and devoted servant, but I owe a greater obedience to God than to you; and as long as I draw breath and have my faculties I shall never stop practicing philosophy. Since I have interpreted the Delphic Oracle as singling me out to spur my fellow Athenians onward towards a greater awareness of moral goodness and truth, I will not stop questioning and arguing should the people forbid me to do so, even if they were to withdraw the charges. Nor will I stop questioning my fellow citizens. Are you not ashamed that you give your attention to acquiring as much money as possible, and similarly with reputation and honor, and give no attention or thought to truth and understanding and the perfection of your soul?" (Plato, 2000) ("The Apology," 2012) ("Analysis of the Apology," 2010)

This is illustrating how Socrates is questioning the moral authority of Athenian laws and how they are applied to him. Instead, he believes that the jury should follow the divine guidelines in order to fully understand both sides of the argument. When this happens, they can provide more clarity to everyone and offer a better interpretation as to how his actions are in compliance with these objectives. (Plato, 2000) ("The Apology," 2012) ("Analysis of the Apology," 2010)

In the final argument, Socrates claims that he is focused on helping to support the greater good. This is achieved by questioning the beliefs of traditional society and offering more insights about what is happening. However, in the process is when some individuals who are students of his could be corrupted. This is because they are confusing his ideas with their own warped ambitions. When this happens, they will become crooked and forced to blame others for their shortcomings. It is at this point that he cannot be held responsible for the decisions of these individuals. (Plato, 2000) ("The Apology," 2012) ("Analysis of the Apology," 2010)