The Trial and Death of Socrates

The portrayal of Socrates, through the book “the trial and death of Socrates” is one that has created a fairly controversial character in Western history. In many ways, Socrates changed the idea of common philosophy in ancient Greece; he transformed their view on philosophy from a study of why the way things are, into a consideration man. Specifically, he analyzed the virtue and health of the human soul. Along side commending Socrates for his strong beliefs, and having the courage to stand by those convictions, Socrates can be commended for many other desirable characteristics. Some of those can include being the first martyr to die for his philosophical beliefs and having the courage to challenge indoctrinated cultural norms is part of what made Socrates exceptional. His refusal to compromise his intellectual integrity in the face of a death sentence has set an example for the entire world to follow. It is these concepts in combination that contribute to the tragedy in the trail and death of Socrates. Although, the trial and death of Socrates has many components that are thought provoking and important to the tale of Socrates, it is the apology that is my own favorite in capturing Plato’s true character and therefore the impending paper is mainly evaluating the events and occurrences of that particular section of the trial and death of Socrates.

Having read and analyzed “the trial and death’ of Socrates, it is apparent that Socrates was an exceptional man with an equally unique and exceptional mind. Part of the exceptionalism that is Socrates includes the ability he had to challenge everything and to question everything. In doing so, Socrates allows an individual to evaluate themselves, their ideologies and even their own sign...

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...atever end result we are faced with grace and humility. Socrates is right: "it is much more difficult to avoid wickedness [than to avoid death]" (p 42: 39b).

His final statements leave us with a sense of wonder and awe at his dignity. Socrates does not cease to teach, and we, too-as students of philosophy generations after his death-become his pupils. In this way, one can argue that Socrates's recommended alternative sentence of feasts in his honor fell short of the eventual reality. Socrates has been proven worthy of the respect of mankind through the ages and transcending the test of time, and so, it becomes rather obvious that Socrates played no part in corrupting the youth of Athens. Rather, he has helped to nurture the youth of ancient times as well as the youth of today by challenging us to think critically and to never shy away from our quizzical natures.