Plato argues that a good life and life do not measure on similar levels. He perceives that a good life satisfies largely than just life. With regard to Socrates apology, the statement receives strength from the claims put forward by the philosopher. The statement appears in harmony with references made during Plato’s dialogues and the Xenophons Memorabilia accounts of the same. As Plato expressed great admiration for Socrates, he recorded the response charges presented during the charges. Raised within his affluent family, Plato would pursue a career within the political system in Athens and emerge within the realms of power due to the influence enjoyed by his family. However, his admiration towards
Socrates and his line of thought drew him towards the similar ideological concepts regarding the Athenian political system. Based on the life chosen by both philosophers the good life described appears as a life away from power and living within self-governing principles. The good life for Socrates as supported by Plato entailed living away from the political systems of ruling. The definition of a good life from Socrates perspective and as regarded by Plato revolved around developing protagonist ideas and lines of thought regarding the political administrations systems. To the administrators such individuals posed a challenge to the administration of order and creation of political and social systems. The protagonist view and approaches implemented by Socrates as recorded in Plato`s apology had landed him to the trail with accusations of serving as a political offender. Though the trial did not have actual recordings, the attendance by Plato enabled him to compose the writings regarding the trial as the Apology.
The defense referred to by Socrates while making the apology refers to his eloquent approach towards the judges. Socrates understood that the apology played as a determinant factor towards the judgment he would receive. He understood the system, which governed the administration of justice, and from his experiences, only such eloquence would afford him his life. The eloquence presented by Socrates during his defense did not appear in a similar way to the social standards of eloquence. Socrates’ accusers perceived that the situation warranted the use of the deeper grammar; however, his defense was characterized by the use of simpler language form. The style enabled Socrates to present his defense in a more articulate manner. His accusers had posed an alert to the judges to watch the defense he would present mainly citing the eloquence as a strategy to confuse and win his freedom. Socrates later claimed that he would rather lose his life after posing that defense as compared to the other kind.
Referring to the other aspects of defense, Socrates meant the form of defense that his accusers and judges had expected. The other kind of defense entailed seeking loopholes within the judicial system and law by using the deeper grammar to present his apology and defense. The other kind of defense as Socrates claimed would entail lying with eloquent speech. For Socrates, losing life after such a trial provided him with a chance to die honorably. His approach towards presenting his defense enabled him to speak truthfully regarding his ideology and present an apology, which satisfied his conscience. Alternative defense strategies would assure Socrates freedom, but he opted to offer a speech, which highlighted his thoughts and the truth.
Regarding the good life, the defense presented by Socrates enabled him to uphold the principles, which governed his actions. The defense enabled him to uphold his thoughts regarding the political and justice administrations used in the Athenian system. Socrates understood that though his accusers stood during his trial, a good life entailed standing by the personal ideas he held. He also understood the impact his line of thought had accomplished within the Athenian system and the influence he enjoyed among follows who held similar thoughts. The good life for Socrates appeared as a defense of personal convictions and a following, which had emerged in support of the line of thought. Socrates achieved presenting a defense for the legacy he left with an influential following.
An individual should pursue the good life even in circumstances, which threaten the existence of life. In regards to the good life, individuals may die as they seek to uphold the principles, which govern their thinking. As individuals seek the good life, they should apply similar approaches as those presented by Socrates. Presenting their defense in simple and understandable compositions of grammar enable the individuals to hold and support their lines of thought regarding the administration systems.
The context of the questions and readings provides link between Apology and Crito as they represent the philosopher’s concepts concerning life. I uphold Socrates view because an individual can only enjoy the satisfaction from a good life through following along their principles. It does not warrant an individual to serve as the protagonist, it only advocates for having support for internal belief systems. Otherwise serving and living within the confines held by other principles will not lead to the good life.
