Socrates

Comparison Essay # 95973

English > Comparison
History > Greek and Roman
Literature > Greek and Roman

Socrates

A comparison of Socrates relationship with the city and people of Athens, in Plato's "Apology" and "Crito."

1,817 words () | 0 sources | 2007 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses Socrates views on the city of Athens. It specifically compares the accounts of how Socrates related to Athens according to texts in Plato's "Apology" and "Crito." It discusses his criticism of Athenians, as well as his affiliation with the gods. It also looks into how he relates to the laws of Athens, according to the two texts and describes the differences found between the texts.

From the Paper:

"So, who really is Socrates and what does he really believe about Athens? The question will never be thoroughly and consistently answered. While many scholars attempted to solve the discrepancies between the consequences of Socrates portrayal in the Apology and the consequences of Socrates portrayal in the Crito, these resolutions are only theories and not concrete answers, for neither Plato nor Socrates are alive to solve such discrepancies. Thereby one might be forced to be inclined to believe that Socrates held the gods in a higher regard than the held the state, and therefore he openly protested for the injustices that the Athenians were making him suffer (and committing against him). This is perhaps the most plausible answer. However, other possibilities should not be ignored because philosophy is open to the realm of interpretation and that is what makes it so utterly interesting."