A philosophical mission comprises of a system of beliefs that a person or organization embraces to achieve their purpose or objective. In Plato’s, ‘The Apology’, Socrates tells about his endeavors in the pursuit of wisdom and virtue. Through his mission, Socrates made enemies in the society who saw him as a corrupt citizen who misled other Athenians. He was brought to trial for inventing new deities, corrupting the youth and not recognizing the state’s gods. Socrates made the apology from a defensive perspective, where he plainly explained his doctrine of making a better virtuous Athens. Upholding the better interests of other people and the state instead of prioritizing one’s private interests was one of his main philosophies. Being of help and service to fellow countrymen was among Socrates priorities, and he even criticizes ‘Evanus the Parian’ for charging a modest fee for teaching.
Chaerephon, a friend of Socrates, had allegedly consulted an oracle at Delphi and was told that “no man was wiser than Socrates” (Plato 6). Despite Chaerephon not being alive to narrate the story, his brother was in court to corroborate the story. Socrates mission was to evaluate the wisdom of people; this led his interaction with diverse people such as politicians, artisans, and poets. He interacted with his subjects, learning about their operations and philosophies. Through his examinations, Socrates determined that the so ‘wise’ people had flaws and were less wise than himself. These revelations made his popular subjects angry and embarrassed since they considered themselves wise, therefore turning them into enemies.
Socrates had a vision of a virtuous society dictated by selflessness, honesty, and general uprightness. He went to different people to establish the truth behind the oracles statement, provoking enmity. Meletus, a staunch opposer of Socrates activities, was responsible for bringing Socrates before the jury. During the trial, Socrates embarrasses Meletus by exposing him and drawing out the irony in his accusations, whereby he was portrayed as a selfish individual driven by his private interests.
Despite holding a strong argument, Socrates lost the case and was sentenced to death. He stoically accepted the verdict stating that “there was no need of fearing the unknown,” (Plato 16) which was the afterlife after death. Socrates had his mission directed by morality and believed in doing unto others what is done unto him both in life and after death. He did not sway from his philosophy despite all the struggles and challenges he underwent through his mission.
Works cited
Eliot, Charles William, et al. The Apology, Phaedo and Crito of Plato. Grolier, 1980.
