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Why Is Socrates Accused Of Two Crimes?

Decent Essays

In Plato’s Apology, set in Ancient Greece Socrates is accused of two crimes, what are these crimes and why was he accused of them?

In the Apology set in Ancient Greece, we are presented with Socrates on trial. Written in a dialogue form it is an account of the defence of Socrates. This essay will seek to look at the crimes Socrates is accused of and why he is accused of them. In looking at Plato’s Apology this paper will seek to show the background to this trail in Ancient Greece its historical and social context. This paper will look at the key events and actors by briefly examining their accusations. The paper will also draw upon defence made Socrates and look at the philosophical meaning of the trail and the relevance’s Apology offers …show more content…

The Peloponnesian War was fought by Athens and Sparta. Both cities’ had battled as allies against the Persians at the Battle of Thermopylae and late at the battles of Salamis and Plataea. After the battle, Athens begins to grow more powerful. This caused tensions with Sparta and with financial help from Persia, Sparta went to war on Athens. (Cowley, R. & Parker, G.1996). The War finally won the conflict by destroying the Athenian fleet at Aegospotami in 405 BCE. After the defeat of Athens a group of rulers came to power. The Thirty as they were called The Thirty Tyrants who ruled for eight months (Planeaux, 2015). During their rule they sort to make Athens into Sparta. The Athenians fought back and the Tyrants were overthrown in 403 BC, and the Athenian democracy was restored. (Planeaux, …show more content…

Even after more than two thousand years, we are still seeking answers for what it means to live a good life. Socrates challenges us to question everything and to think. The students of Socrates, where successful in found their own schools after his teaching. Plato's Academy lasted several centuries. Philosophy not only became a subject to study but a pursuit in life. More important philosophy through Socrates and the affect of Plato became a dominant force in the western consciousness even to today. Socrates was condemned to death by a jury of 501 of his peers. Usually, the accused drink the poison Hemlock at sunset on the day of being found guilty. (Guerber, 1896, P.175). He had to wait a month for his execution (Copleston, 1993 P. 115). The reason for the delay was the law said that during one month of the year no such punishment should be inflicted. (Guerber, 1896, P.175). After the conviction of Socrates by the jury, he makes a proclamation when he tells the jury, he could never keep silent because “the unexamined life is not worth living for human beings” (Jowett,2008, P.46). He could not keep silent as he likens himself to the gadfly and the city-state a horse. A Constant annoyance to the city. Socrates insists we are called to look on what we believe and examine it so that we may live life with

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