"Apology of Socrates"

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the "Apology of Socrates" by Plato. The paper explains that the "Apology of Socrates" is, in essence, a defense of philosophy and a glimpse into why it is necessary. In the first part of the apology, Socrates shows that philosophy challenges and breaks down society, and in the latter half, claims that philosophy is helpful and good. Although these may seem to be contradictory accounts, the paper shows that Socrates uses them to meet the same purpose. He does it to show Athenians that, although philosophy may break down the current social order, it will help rebuild a stronger society. Hence, philosophy is a necessity. The paper examines how Socrates changes his position regarding the charge that he affects the city's youth, regarding his association with the gods and regarding his claims about his own ignorance and knowledge.

From the Paper:

"One of the most serious charges laid against Socrates was that he corrupts the young by teaching them to follow his habit of examining people. In his defence speech, Socrates is evasive in his answer to this as he presents two different accounts of his affects on the youth. In the first part of his speech, Socrates claims that he is not accountable for what the youth do. He says that the young "follow me of their own accord" (Plato, Apology of Socrates 23c). Hence, he takes no responsibility for their actions and considers himself blame-free. Implicit in this defence is the admission that his method of questioning others and exposing their faults is indeed dangerous for the city and hence he does not want to be responsible for the young emulating him. However, in the second half of the apology, he takes a different standpoint."

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