Socrates in Plato's "Apology"

Paper Summary:

This paper briefly looks at the characteristics attributed to Socrates by Plato. It shows how Socrates is charged with being evil, corrupting the youth and generally being a bad influence on the society. He is then given a chance to respond to these allegations.

From the Paper:

"In Plato's Apology, Socrates is charged as an "evil-doer who . . . makes the worse appear the better cause; and he teaches the aforesaid doctrines to others" (65). It is also charged that Socrates "corrupts the youth; and who does not believe in the gods of the state, but has other new divinities of his own" (74). Clearly, then, if true, from the point of view of the state, Socrates is a traitor to the state because if he is successful in his efforts he will cause many people, especially impressionable youth, to question the very authority of the state, which could lead to rebellion against the state. Whether this is what Socrates intends, this is nevertheless the way his prosecutors see his efforts. In fact, considering that Socrates could have easily fled and saved his life, his actions and decisions right up to the moment of his death are testimony to his loyalty to the state and his willingness to obey its laws and abide by its decision in his case."

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