Plato's Apology of Socrates

Question One 

Socrates was with no doubt one of the wisest philosophers who ever lived; based on the apology he wrote when he was facing charges. My first impression of the reading was knowledgeable, wise arguments and detailed illustrations of his defense more than a legal profession of modern society would do. The way Socrates put up his legal defense in the apology made me fall in love with his work and wisdom; It is peculiar how the jury found him guilty after a clear, concise and convincing legal defense. 

Question two 

Socrates was slapped with two charges when he appeared before the jury for his legal defense in 399 BC. The first charge was the stubborn stand on refusal to believe in the gods provided by the stated or rather approved by the state; his accusers pointed out that Socrates believed in other daimonia. This accusation was false because Socrates acknowledged that he wasn’t atheistic but he was only against the gods of the city believed in. The second accusation was the corruption of the young through wrongful teaching and influencing. However, Socrates mentioned that they followed him out of their accord and tend to emulate his teachings by examining others, which resulted in hatred towards Socrates (Miller & platter, 2012). 

Question three 

Yes, Socrates believed in God only that he was against the gods of the city. I also do believe in God because I believe in the art of salvation and God’s love to allow his only son to die for our sins. 

Question Four 

Socrates proposed a sum of money for his punishment rather than the death penalty. He suggested that since he was not wealthy; Plato, men of Athens, Crito and Critobollus were willing to stand as his guarantors to contribute thirty minae of silver (Brooks, 2017). It was a fair penalty because Socrates charges were not that serious, neither was he that much of a threat to the society. However, his options were limited in his defense because he was denied to have witnesses. 

Question Five 

“ Unexamined life is not worth living for a human being” This quote for me refers to the art of being able to pause, analyze and reflect about your improvement and mistakes; this enables you to constantly become a better person (Miller & platter, 2012). There is one time I felt stuck in my life and I had to take a step back and evaluate what was going right or wrong to find loopholes to seal. This was a good self-evaluation program that changed my perspective in life. 

Extra Question 

The Apology-Socrates (Haiku) 

Now I go away- 

To pay the penalty of death 

I’m released. 

References 

Brooks, R. O. (Ed.). (2017).  Plato and modern law . Routledge. 

Miller, P. A., & Platter, C. (2012).  Plato's Apology of Socrates: a commentary  (Vol. 36). University of Oklahoma Press.