Socrates on Trial Analytical Essay by Nicky

This paper describes how Socrates prepared his defense arguments for the Senate following his accusation of impiety. According to the paper, Socrates sets out to show that his actions are the actions of a very pious man with pious thoughts, deeds and actions, at least according to the definition of piety in that day. It also shows how his tactics included presenting his chief witness, Euthyphro, as a pious man who will be respected in the courts and judged as a theologian who knows of what he speaks. The paper also describes Socrates' argument of the difference between what is good and what is evil, what is pious and what is impious. The paper concludes by stating that some of Socrates' arguments were confused and unclear, especially that regarding fear and reverence.