In the apology, Socrates is accused of various charges. The charges arose due to his ``teachings” and ``way of life”. The first charge is Socrates being a ``natural Philosopher.” During his time, people in Greece lived in an archaic society where ruling class regarded themselves as gods and everything were to be carried out in reference to them. The ruling class thus formed the opinion that Socrates was attempting to destroy the traditions that formed the basis of this practice and ``belief” (Plato, pg20).
The second charge is the ability by Socrates to formulate a strong argument to convince people. Socrates is charged because the leaders associated him with `sophist” who like Socrates were convincing and training people from various cities in matters relating to ``leadership and justice.” The rulers thus felt that Socrates popularity will lead to collapse their political lives because the people will not accord them the respect they have had over the years thus making it possible for other political contenders to turn the people against them. (Plato, pg 28).
The third charge against Socrates is corrupting young citizens. The charge is because Socrates travelled to different cities such as Athens and offered teachings about natural law. The rulers interpreted this act as being illegal because his teaching does not emphasize on the traditional belief of the rulers being`` divine and gods.” Further, many people did not trust Socrates because their opinion is that they thought Socrates was interested in ``Political Power.”
The fourth Charge against Socrates is disregarding the ``belief in gods” (Plato, pg43). The people in Greece at this time believed that the rulers are ``divine” or that their origin are linked to that of the ``gods”. However, by being a ``natural Philosopher,” Socrates believed in the existence of a ``superior being” that is God thus disregarding emperors as being ``gods.”
For example, Socrates disregarded the claim by Greece rulers that their authority is linked to the sun that they termed as `` god”. Socrates explained that in his opinion the sun is just a ``hot rock” thus challenging the claim that the rulers lineage is traceable to that of `Apollo.” This act according to the leaders amounted to treason. Moreover, it is stated that many Christians were charged for not acknowledging the emperors as being ``divine” (Plato, pg 31).
Socrates was not guilty of the charges. We find that the ``sophist” usually asked for a pay for them to conduct their teachings. Socrates on the other hand, did not charge a fee for his teaching. The fact that Socrates did not charge a fee imply that he should not be judged as being untrustworthy like the way the people viewed the ``sophist”(Brickhouse, pg225).
In regard to the charge that he was corrupting ``young people,” we find that being wise, Socrates was very `popular” and many people wanted to hear him speaking. Socrates’ Popularity made it hard for him to send them ``young people” away (Plato, pg32). Socrates defended himself by stating that he is not educated and did not posses experience like the ``sophist” thus it was not true that he was engaging in the act of ``corrupting” people.
During the trial, Socrates told the jury that he believed in ``God” thus it is not true that he was disregarding their belief by teaching about his ``atheistic belief.” Socrates stated that he believed that he is doing that what is right and if he had to be punished due to his obedience to God, then he is ready to accept the consequences (Fagan, pg224). The statements by Socrates imply that he is not guilty of the charges he was being accused of committing.
Further, we find that evidence is not rendered to prove that Socrates is indeed guilty of the charges he is facing. In the apology, no evidence is not produced for instance to show that the youth had been corrupted by his teachings (Plato,pg55).
In conclusion, my view is that Socrates is not guilty even though the court passed a guilty verdict and sentenced him to death. It is clear that the jury was partial because many people in Athens had been accusing him an aspect that, made the judges be ``impartial.”
Works Cited
Brickhouse, Thomas, and Smith, Nicholas. Routledge Philosophy Guide Book to Plato and
The Trial of Socrates.USA: Routledge, 2004. Print.
Fagan, Patricia, and Russon, John. Reexamining Socrates in The Apology. USA:
North West University, 2009.Press.
Plato. PLATO Five Dialogues; Euthyphro, Apology, Crito, Meno, Phaedo. Ed. Cooper,
John. Trans .Grube. 2nd Edition. Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing, 2002.Print.
