How Did Socrates Win The Trial In Plato's Apology

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Introduction Socrates is on trial in Plato’s apology and is being prosecuted on the charge of impiety. His accusers, Meletus, Anytus, and Lycon, wanted Socrates punished for "enquiring into things under the earth and in the heavens, and making the weaker argument the stronger, and teaching these same things to other people."Meletus is the youngest one of the three accusers known for his prosecuting role in the trial of Socrates who eventually was executed. Meletus believed that Socrates is corrupting the youth of Athens. Socrates was put on trial to defend his actions. I would have done the same thing Socrates which was him not defending himself only to explain why he does the things he does. Socrates did not try to defend himself because …show more content…

Socrates states that he has been doing Athens a service by improving its wisdom, virtues and beliefs. I feel that Socrates lived a life of service by contributing to the search for knowledge, but was deemed a criminal for practicing his craft. I don’t think Socrates is guilty of his accusations. Socrates is never really trying to win the trial. Socrates' defense is very logical. “Come then, do you bring me in here saying that I voluntarily corrupt the young and make them more villainous or 9 involuntarily?” (Apology 25d) He asks Meletus a question, then Meletus answers and then Socrates moves on to the next question to support his claim that he is not a misleader of the youth. Socrates simply thinks that presenting a point to the jury, without convincing them is …show more content…

For I say that there will be more accusers of you than there are now; accusers whom hitherto I have restrained: and as they are younger they will be more severe with you, and you will be more offended at them. For if you think that by killing men you can avoid the accuser censuring your lives, you are mistaken; that is not a way of escape which is either possible or honorable; the easiest and noblest way is not to be crushing others, but to be improving yourselves. This is the prophecy which I utter before my departure, to the judges who have condemned me.” Socrates warns the accusers who voted against him that in silencing their critic they have harmed themselves much more than they have harmed

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