The Apology.d

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The Apology
The Apology is a recording of Socrates’ trial. Though the name may mislead, it is not about him apologizing but rather his defense. The confusion arises from the literal translation of the term. However, from its Greek root, apologia, it translates to defense. As such, the speech was his defense on accusations of corrupting the youth and impiety. The primary concern, therefore, is not an assertion of a doctrine. Rather, it is an attempt at painting a portrait of an ideal philosopher. In this trial, with his life on the line, the philosopher keeps his cool while defending himself unwaveringly.
What is the problem that most of his fellow citizens have?
Though his chosen style was conversational, in this case, there is monologue as he defends himself. In the dialog, the accusers warn the judges not to be taken aback by his eloquence as it is, allegedly, deceptive. In his arguments, the citizens had two accusations against him. First, they accused him of impiety through the introduction of new gods, and second, it is believed, by the accusers, that he is spreading corruption amongst the youths by inspiring them to defy the status quo (Millett 25). These charges followed the Delphic Oracle. In this, a friend made an inquiry concerning the wisest man. The response from the priestess was Socrates. This answer drove him on a quest to try and ascertain the claim. Among those he enquired from were poets, politicians, and craftsmen. However, his inquiries only left resentment.

This was as a result of his questioning their knowledge, denting their beliefs and casting doubts. The ensuing confusion and anger drove certain individuals, amongst them Meletus and Lycon to launch accusations and eventually a trial.
How can philosophy help?
Philosophy is essential in developing critical thinking skills while offering an avenue for knowing particular things. That is, it is involved with logic, metaphysics, and ethics amongst others. Some fields provide knowledge while others impart skills. In The Apology, Socrates asserts that the accusations arise from years of pent-up resentment that created a prejudicial perception of whom he was. He seeks to illuminate the actual meaning of the Oracle for the jury. This is in a bid to trigger them to view the accusations critically. As such, he seeks to impress on them that he would rather be himself and not an impostor. Also, he argues before them that he is simply like a gadfly that prevents the horse from falling asleep. His acts are simply meant to keep the society awake. In the trial, he adds on that in obedience; divine authority supersedes human authority. A conflict of obedience would be solved in this way.
What are the values defended by Socrates?
On his argument on the corruption of youth, he argues that colts need a better horse breeder to train and improve them. This follows his argument that it is men who improve other men. Meletus’ argument that it is the law is countered by his generalization that every member of the jury, the council, and the audience educates the young. To cement this value, he enquires on if the horses are trained by all and corrupted by one or the vice versa. Socrates then argues that anyone who wishes to listen to him should be free to do so and he should not be held accountable for their behavior. Again, in the accusation that he believes in no gods at all, he states it is impossible to believe in the affairs of humanity yet fail to believe in humanity. He says it is impossible to believe in divine activities yet fail to believe in divinities. In this, Socrates seeks to point out that consciousness of divine acts is tantamount to recognition of the divinities.
Do you agree or disagree?
When Socrates states that he has no responsibility for the actions of the youths, he is fully right. This is because men are autonomous beings. Regardless of the level of influence, actions are a result of personal choices. For the philosopher, his is a verbal influence. As powerful as it is, they, the youths and all citizens at large, ought to be responsible enough as to inquire more, just as Socrates did when he received the Delphic Oracle. Also, it is true that one cannot partially love a deity. That is, one who seeks after the actions must have believed in the actor first. Therefore, Socrates was correct in claiming it is impossible to love divine acts and disregard divinities.
What kind of knowledge and virtue is required for a meaningful life?
To have a meaningful life, it is best to operate on the consciousness of ignorance. Put in other words, it means living without an assumption of absolute knowledge. As evidenced in the trial, Socrates suffered his plight due to his questioning what people knew. The inquisitions left them aware of an unseen ignorance in their professed knowledge. Living without such an assumption, an individual can effectively gain unbiased knowledge. This is bound to result in the total impact since new knowledge finds rests on an open platform.
Work Cited
Millett, Paul. “The trial of Socrates revisited.” European Review of History: Revue européenne d’histoire 12.1 (2005): 23-62.