Socrates is popular for his shifting thoughts on Greek philosophical ideas about the nature of the universe. Philosophers before Socrates’ time also examined of the problems associated with human life. Nonetheless, Socrates was the first philosopher to analyze ethics as a science. In addition, Socrates looked at the principles of human life from a methodical and consistent perspective. Many critics note that Socrates influenced the expansion of Western philosophy and culture in many ways. In fact, a number of critics believe that Socrates was instrumental in his teachings and such thoughts impacted on the development of Christianity. Arguably, Socrates wrote nothing and this “nothing” contributes to the problems of Socrates philosophy. It was not until after his death that those who believed in his philosophy started to record his thoughts and the events in his life. Clearly these ideas reflect and interpretation of Socrates’ work. While Socrates ethical theses includes his contentious view of the treatment of the retribution and the enemy, it also acknowledges that wrong-doing is an unintentional act, virtue represents knowledge, and the concern of the soul forms the fundamental condition for living in a positive manner.
One of the fundamental arguments surrounding the validity of Socrates’ philosophy is that it is inaccurate as the sources of the recordings are flawed. At the age of seventy, Socrates faced the many accusations, including that of being anti-religious and corrupting the Athenian youth. In 399 B.C. Socrates faced a trial, conviction, and condemnation to die by drinking hemlock. Many scholars of the twentieth-century argue that Plato portrays Socrates presents in an accurate manner. In fact, the notions of virtue, knowledge, and goodness are combined in the theses of Socrates. Socrates teaches that "virtue is knowledge" and that mankind’s goal is to care for soul as he gains knowledge. Arguably, Socrates teaches that virtue and knowledge is synonymous and that vice represents intellectual error or ignorance, and therefore, unlawful activity is involuntary to say the least. Throughout the twentieth century many philosophers find it difficult to comprehend Socrates meanings as many scholars believe that wrongdoing is an involuntary suggests that an individual commits evil despite the fact that it is evil. In addition, some critics believe that one can garner some amount of good by doing evil.
The Athenian courts found Socrates guilty and innocent as charged in his conviction. Plato’s “Five Dialogues,” give an explanation of the events from before Socrates’ entrance into the courthouse until his the moment he consumes the deadly hemlock. Throughout these events, Plato shows Socrates innocence and guilt. Socrates’ encounter with the moral law suggests that he was not guilty of the crimes Meletus brings forward. In fact, Socrates was guilty simply because the jury concluded that he was guilty. Technically, the laws did not find Socrates guilty of his crimes, but he was guilty because the jury reinforced the laws. Interestingly, Socrates philosophy speaks to the fact that the law cannot be self-enforced. Nonetheless, Socrates faced the accusations that he corrupted the Athenian youths and their growing disbelief in the Athenian gods.
The first dialogue, “Euthyphron,” Socrates is in discussion with Euthyphron as both men awaits trial. Socrates faces the charges of influencing the minds of the Athenian youths, while Euthyphron awaits a trial to take legal action against his father who, through moral ambiguity, causes the death of a worker. Both Euthyphron and Socrates look at their situation and use this to discuss the significance of goodness. Socrates indicates that he aspires to learn from Euthyphron. He uses this knowledge during his trial. Socrates says “yes, for I am eager to share your wisdom: Euthyphron, and so I am all attention, nothing you say will fall to the ground,” (Plato, p. 28). However, he feels as though he trolls Euthyphron. One can argue that Socrates’ condescending nature emerges because of the variations in translation of his philosophy. Still he questions the nature of the gods when he says “But tell me, how are the gods benefitted by the gifts they receive from us,” (Plato, p.29). Arguably, the conversation between Euthyphron is Socrates way of defending himself against the irreverent charges that the courts brought, but one recognizes that Socrates reference here indicates that he show heretic views of the religious beliefs of Athens.
The introduction carries what modern literary critics refer to as Socratic irony which is significant to early Platonic dialogue where dialogues occur between Socrates and another person. The other person is usually an expert in the particular field of knowledge. In this first dialogue, Socrates acknowledges his lack of knowledge and asks Euthyphron to teach him. As Socrates questions this interlocutor, the truth of the interlocutor’s lack of knowledge in the field becomes apparent. The irony here rests in Socrates complete acceptance of the interlocutor's word as an expert in the field. In this instance, Socrates draws parallel to Meletus as he suggests that it is a righteous act to impeach those who corrupt others. He suggests that Euthyphron must be noble as he prosecutes his father. This belief goes against what Socrates honestly thinks. Clearly, Socrates believes that Euthyphro's is narrow-minded when he tries to prosecute his father and not necessarily because he is knowledgeable. According to Socrates philosophy, knowledge is the foundation of the greatest good. The first dialogue shows this as he teaches individuals should endeavor to advance the youth. It is ironic that Meletus attempts to help the youth by putting an end Socrates ideas.
“The Apology” represents a historical explanation of Socrates' defending himself during his trial. Critics note that the apology is the most unswerving documentation of the event of Socrates philosophies. Through Plato's understanding, the reader comes very close to understanding the trial. Irony presents itself in this second dialogue as Socrates makes it clear that is not a rhetorician, but he still attempts to sway the courts with his factual arguments. Plato's writes show that Socrates is a martyr. Socrates spent his life trying to doing well, but makes no effort to save his life as it would compromise with his ethics. In his defense, Socrates attempts to justify the accusations against his person. Socrates' response to the first charge sheds light on the entire situation as the reader sees the main characteristics of the accused and the accuser.
Socrates had no difficulty in replying to rumors that he took money for the services he rendered as he did not consider that it was appropriate to put a monetary value on the truth or the development of teaching individuals to form their own opinions. In addition, he wanted to teach as many people as he could and would not exclude anyone for a lack of funds. One of Socrates fundamental premise lies in the educating individuals to think for themselves, and therefore, he was willing to teach individuals at every level how to achieve this task. His personal belief about not accepting payment for his services did not mean that he believed others should follow suit. Socratic irony becomes clear in this dialogue as Plato presents the story of the oracle and the statement that Socrates was the most-intelligent man in Athens. Whether there is veracity to the story or not, it expose the fabricated claims that there were individuals who had false beliefs in themselves. Socrates rejected the ideas and stories of the gods as he believed they committed immoral acts that humans should not tolerate. As a result, Meltus accused Socrates of being evil and that he encouraged the youths to share his belief. In the end, Socrates issues a predictive admonition to the judges that history will repay them for their actions. The speech shows Socrates' ideology that it is better to experience injustice rather than mete out injustice. In addition, should fear what happens to the soul and not the body.
Similar to “Euthyphro” and “The Apology,” “Crito” deals with Socrates, but now he appears as a religious man who offers obedience to a heavenly command. He question notion of oral obligations to the unjust laws. This dialogue present the moral issue of trying to choose between what is moral and what is legal. Socrates violates the laws of the country, and he does not apologize for his actions. In fact, Socrates shows that the he would prefer to obey the God than the law of the land. Nonetheless, one may disobey the laws of the country in order to satisfy one’s conscience.
“Phaedo” adds clarity to the difficulty Socrates faced in prison. Rhaedo relates the events to a number of people. The subject of this dialogue rests in the concept of the soul. Socrates believed that the soul is immortal and had no beginning or end. The arguments support the moral belief and dignity is enough reason for a better life.
In concluding, Socrates believes that there is only one way to give service to God. In fact, he suggests that by serving God, one promotes the ethical and spiritual maturity of human beings. In addition, he believes that religion of the true God is different from the Athenian gods. As such, sees that true religion brings harmony into one’s life and the will of God is greater. Socrates dialogues create what modern day writers call Socratic irony. This irony is common throughout the dialogues as Socrates speaks to different individuals about the decisions he makes in his life. However, he has his personal views and attempts to impart these views on everyone who will listen. In essence, Socrates strongly believes in morality is greater than human opinion. As such, he does not attempt to breaks free of his physical prison. He dies as a hero and a martyr as his works add much to the justice and freedom in the world today.
Works Cited
Plato’s, The Trial and Death of Socrates” Viewed at
<https://archive.org/stream/trialanddeathso00platgoog#page/n212/mode/2up> Accessed
October 20, 2014
