The trial and execution of Socrates took place in Athens and to date, it still puzzles the world. The trial remains the most significant amongst all trials. We are left wondering why an old man was convicted to death because of his philosophical teachings. The puzzle is significant since Socrates conducted his teachings in his entire adult life despite the molestations. The trial remains the most significant because it has remained difficult to locate the answers connected to the mystery of Socrates trial. The trial is complicated because of the two surviving versions of the defense or apology of Socrates were linked to his two followers: Plato and Xenophon. The two followers failed to expose in their explanations the most incriminating evidence against Socrates.
During the trial, Socrates opted to remain silent and never uttered a word. Through the trial, we learn the difference between winning and unpretentious victory. It is suspected that Socrates could have prevailed in the trial but instead, he decided to engage in something more significant. He made a decision to fight well and exhibit the very flashes of brilliance that had made him the most significant philosopher in the history of Athens. In the trial, Socrates wanted the 500 jury and thousands of Athens residents to comprehend the nature of our lives. To be more specific, Socrates probes us to contemplate what we are living for. Are we living for power, wealth or fame? If that is the answer, Socrates says that we are living upside down, because we have accepted the lower goods to exceed higher ones. In such a situation, Socrates would consider that we are not living at all but merely chasing shadows rather than dedicating ourselves in the hunt of substantial things.
Through the trial, we understand what Socrates meant when he asserted that an unexamined life is not worth living. The decision of Socrates to remain silent during the trial inspires us to examine our lives deeply. Through the trial, it is possible to understand the reasons for living a successful life. Socrates believed that no real harm could befall human beings who stuck to the pursuit of their own beliefs. He thought that defending himself at the jury could block good from coming his way. As a result of his deep beliefs, he chooses not to win the exemption. Socrates thought that pleading for his life was not the best decision because he had not committed any crimes. Moreover, he never lashed out in fury since by doing so, he could demonstrate the precise small-mindedness he detests.
On the contrary, Socrates revealed to the jury that even if he were released, he would proceed to teach his philosophies the same way he did. He could still present hard questions to the persons that thought they had answers to everything. Socrates does not see the point of living if human beings fail to bring the best out of themselves. Socrates did not defend himself because he was not ready to allow a meager victory undercut excellence. In this, Socrates established that an unexamined life is not worth living for. The trial of Socrates remains the most significant in history because many philosophers and other people are still finding answers to the complexities that surrounded the trial.
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