Apology In The Apology Of Socrates

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In Plato 's “The Apology of Socrates”, Socrates is charged with not accepting the gods recognized by the state, devising new gods, and corrupting the youth of Athens. However, the word "apology" in the title is not our modern understanding of the word. The name of the speech stems from the Greek word "apologia," which translates as a speech made in defense. Thus, “The Apology of Socrates” is an account of the speech Socrates makes at the trial in which he defends himself, not apologizes. (The Apology) (SparkNotes Editors)
He begins his defense by saying that his prosecutors are dishonest, and that he will prove it. He explains that his behavior stems from a prophecy by the oracle at Delphi, which claimed that he was the wisest of all men. …show more content…

Most of us find it easier to live in ignorance than to acknowledge our weaknesses. For instance, the prophecy by the oracle at Delphi who claimed "Socrates is the most wise", Socrates could not accept this truth and went as far to test the gods (The Apology). 
He tested of the Delphic Oracle by finding someone that was wiser than him, but he could not. "Socrates is most wise" because he was aware of his ignorance and questioned “noble” people and gods (The Apology). 
Those around Socrates, who claimed to have knowledge, were ignorant of their obliviousness. Therefore, justifying why Socrates claimed, “the unexamined life is not worth living”, because in an unexamined life one is living in complete ignorance (The Apology). (The …show more content…

I am that gadfly which God has given the State and all day long and in all places am always fastening upon you, arousing and persuading and reproaching you…. I dare say that you may feel irritated at being suddenly awakened when you are caught napping; and you may think that if you were to strike me dead, as Anytus advises, which you easily might, then you would sleep on for the remainder of your lives” (The Apology). He compares the unexamined life to a deep sleep. He, the gadfly, is preventing one from going to sleep. Socrates, by stirring up conversations and inquiries prevents the state from becoming careless, narrow-minded, and fanatical; basically, a life that is not worth living. The youths will believe what knowledge politicians, philosophers and artisans claim to have but with Socrates way of life some began to question or examine what they were told to think about these “honorable” men. If Socrates is put to death, Athens looses its chance of consciousness, unless another “gadfly” arrives. (The

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