Apology Essay Sample

(I). Socrates was a gadfly (a horsefly) because just like a gadfly prevents a horse from becoming sluggish by stinging it in different places, he too was stinging Athens by stirring things up to remind the state of its duties. Martin Luther King and Malcolm X were also gadflies because they too were stinging the conscience of the white community and the Civil Rights movement to put an end to the prejudice and injustice that was being done to black people.
(II). Socrates’ action of speaking against the illegal actions of the Athenian democratic government best manifests Foucault’s five features of parrhesia. (III). Socrates exemplifies all five characteristics of Foucault’s parrhesia. The first characteristic of parrhesia is frankness, and in Plato’s Apology, Socrates presents a frank statement of truth during his trial, speaking in a very conversational manner instead of using flattering language. The second characteristic is truth, and in the Apology Socrates demonstrates his care for his fellow Athenians in their concern for truth and constantly approaches in the street to reveal the truth to them. Moreover, Plato depicts Socrates as a man who lives the truth that he so often speaks of. The third characteristic of parrhesia is danger, and this is exemplified by Socrates in the Apology because he puts himself in danger by speaking the truth so frankly, despite the risks involved, and is ultimately sentenced to be executed for speaking the truth. The fourth characteristic of Foucault’s parrhesia is criticism, and in Plato’s Apology, not only does Socrates speak the truth but also criticizes the Athenian state of becoming lazy and drifting into a deep sleep. It is because of this criticism that the jurymen in his trial vote against him to silence him rather than to listen to him. Finally, the fifth characteristic is duty, and as Plato shows in the Apology, Socrates, despites knowing the risks involved, dutifully speaks the truth to awaken the Athenian state into becoming productive and virtuous once again. Thus, with evidence from Plato’s Apology, it is apparent that Socrates exemplifies Foucault’s five features of parrhesia quite accurately.
(IV). If I had the opportunity to devote myself entire life to a single pursuit, even though it meant that it would ultimately cost me my life, like Socrates, I would rather proceed with my pursuit and die in the process rather than abandon it and live. Pursuing and living a cause is a natural course that many men take to live a noble life, however, pursuing a cause till death rather than abandoning it requires bravery. There is no greater courage than accepting death for the pursuit of a cause. If I would choose to die for the pursuit of a noble cause, my position would be most like Socrates because although Martin Luther King and Malcom X did not abandon their cause, however, they were abruptly assassinated. On the other hand, Socrates courageous accepted his fate, he was already aware that if he spoke the truth he would most likely be executed, and yet he chose to die in pursuit of his goal rather than abandon it. Therefore, like Socrates did in Plato’s Apology, I too would put forward my views, regardless of the consequences, even if it would lead me to my demise. Like Plato I would not abandon my pursuit if it meant doing a service for my fellow people. I would devote my life to the pursuit, even if it would cost me my life. Like Socrates, my pursuit would become my true purpose. I would remain steadfast on my views like him and I would refuse to give up my pursuit. As long as I would have life and strength I would never cease from pursuing my cause and goal. I would rather die for a noble cause like Socrates did and set an example for generations to come, rather than to abandon it for the sake of my own life.