Although Socrates is considered to be one of the greatest philosophers and teachers of all times, he has not left behind any written work. Much of what is known about Socrates and his philosophies come from Plato and his other contemporaries. The Trials of Socrates consists of the Apology, Crito, Phaedo, Euthyphro, clouds by Aristophanes and Xenophon's,Socrates’ defense of the Jury. These six texts reveal the nature of the trial as well as the kind of man Socrates is. Socrates is sentenced to death for having expressed doubts and not accepting the Gods recognized by the state and for corrupting the youth. He awaits trial and the dialogues he has with his friends, his defense in front of the jury and the impressions others have of him are part of the texts.
Throughout his trial, Socrates remains defiant and unapologetic about his position that has led to his death sentence. He stands for reason and does not buckle under fear of death,neither does he recant his beliefs and teachings. Socrates’ faith in reason and his willingness to die for it says lot about him. This conviction of beliefs and the courage to defend it in the face of danger or death is something that stands out in the entire text. Although socrates knows that he is right and that he is being judged harshly and incompetently he accepts death. He says, “Wherefore O men of Athens, I say to you, do as Anytus bids or not as Anytus bids, and either acquit me or not; but whatever you do, know that I shall never alter my ways, not even if I have to die many times (Reeve 2002)." Socrates’ character and unflinching defiance on the face of death to defend his position is something that resonates a lot with me. There are many time in life where I make compromises and give up on my beliefs either because they are not practical or because it would get me into trouble. There have been situations where I should have taken a stance and spoken up for myself and for others and have not done so. Although the main reason for my behavior is fear of being punished, there is also the fear of ridicule, the fear of not being accepted among my peers. Other times the reasons have been sillier and I have let go of my convictions because I was either bored of them or because I found another view that was more interesting. Sometimes the loss of belief comes out of disillusionment.
Socrates’ stand proves that even death is not an inducement to waver from the beliefs and convictions that a person has. He could have apologized or made his peace with his persecutor but chose to die. It makes me wonder what makes me so fickle. Is it acceptance from people or the fear that having strong convictions might drive me away from people and I would end up a loner? I always realize that when it comes to reasons and excuses for changing my views, I always have numerous. But when it comes to why I should remain steadfast in whatever I beleive I usually have none. I usually do not carry out an argument within myself or with other people to know why I have changed my position. It is usually an impulsive decision. There is no reasoning involved in my decision and they are largely emotional. Although I look with envy and admiration, those that can defend their faith or beliefs till their last breath, I have not managed to reach their levels of commitment to a cause or a belief. I flit away through life, always wanting to know more and never focussing on one specific cause. Although it keeps me relatively open minded and free, I know that deep down I am just fickle.
Reason is a very important component of the learning process. Everything needs to be not only questioned but also analyzed before accepting it for a fact or the truth. Having accepted something for the truth, a person must also have the courage to defend it and have a conviction that could influence others. Socrates’ conviction and courage is what has made him famous even though none of his written works are available. It is his unfailing belief that inspired Plato and Aristotle. I do not wish for fame but after reading the text I just wish I could find one cause which would make me a true believer.
Works Cited
Reeves. C.D.C. Ed. The Trials of Socrates: Six Classic Texts. New York: Hackett Publishing co. 2002.
