Plato’s Apology Essay -- essays research papers

Platos ApologySocrates was a very simple valet who did not have many material possessions and spoke in a plain, conversational manner. Acknowledging his own ignorance, he engaged in conversations with sight claiming to be experts, usually in ethical matters. By asking simple questions, Socrates in stages revealed that these people were in fact very confused and did not really know anything about the matters about which they claimed to be an expert. Socrates felt that the quest for acquaintance and the instruction of others through dialogue and inquiry were the highest aims in life. He felt that The unexamined life is not worth living. Platos Apology is the speech Socrates made at his trial. Socrates was charged with not recognizing the gods recognized by the state and corrupting the early days of Athens. In The Apology, Socrates attempted to defend himself. He spoke in a very simple, uncomplicated manner. He explained that he had no experience with the police force and court s and that he would just use honesty and directness. He also explained that he behaved in the way that he did because of a prophecy by the visionary at Delphi, which claimed that he was the wisest of all men. Recognizing that he was ignorant in almost things, Socrates concluded that he must be wiser than other men just in that he knew that he knew nothing.Socrates explained that he considered it his duty to question people in order to expose their false wisdom as ignorance. By doing this, the youth of Athens bega...