Plato's Apology of Socrates is said to be one of the best introductions to the study of Political Philosophy (P/Phil).
There are two main reasons for this assertion. The first assertion is that Socrates is shown defending his way of life and politics.
Second, the Apology shows the relationship of P.Phil to the Polis, its laws and its political power.
We should not that Socrates used the word
apology, as derived from the Greek word "apologia" to mean a defense and not as an apology for doing wrong.
The trial is not merely about Socrates but also the notions/ideas of P.Phil and what Socrates defines as the worthy cause of the "examined life".
The trial takes place in 399 BC just a short time after the Peloponnesian War. Athens is unique at this time because it is considered a democracy.
Socrates is charged with treason. He is said to have negatively influenced and corrupted the youth of Athens and shown disrespect toward the Gods. Socrates is found guilty and sentenced to death by a jury vote of 280 to 221 (later reconfirmed by more than a two thirds majority).
The insert picture depicts
The Death of Socrates by Jacques-Louis David 1787 (
Credit).
Socrates defense, in part, is that he has acted on a prophecy by the oracle at Delphi which said he was wisest of all men. He was thus merely question those who were acting as if they were wise.
A common reading of the Apology privileges the conflictual relationship between freedom of expression and the laws of Athens. Socrates is said to be treasonous because he criticizes Athenian democracy and even supports its enemy, Sparta.
But we should note that Socrates is not found to be calling for unlimited freedom of expression and speech.
Instead, he is found calling on Athens to improve itself and to move beyond its arrogant belief that its power allowed it to do as it pleased. In a clear sense, Plato was pressing Athenian society and its political rulers to "examine" themselves to find a better justice.
He thus irritated the rulers.
For Socrates the "examined life" is the best possible form of life because it constantly seeks to improve notions of justice and rights. Those who do not "examine life" are not worthy.
"The unexamined life is not worth living", he says in defiance.
Much of what he is pressing toward is about perfecting life. Beyond seeking perfection Socrates was also asking who has the right to educate future leaders about running the Polis.
This question about education is a common thread in the works of Plato. It would appear that the right kind of education would not merely reproduce like-types but rather it would develop a thinking toward "examinining life" toward improvement.
The fundamental question we can extract from Socrates insistence is
who should govern? What should leaders look like in terms of substance, politics, and thinking?
Athenian democracy is put on trial by Socrates. He is questioning the very notions held dear by Athens.
And it is a critique he levels at public officials. Socrates says: " ... if someone who really fights for justice is going to preserve himself even for a short time, it is necessary for him to lead a private, rather than a public life."
Socrates thus sees his role as a wise philosopher outside of the realm of public life. He claims that he seeks to awaken the state and, thereby, improve its condition via virtuous action.
The jury rejects his argument and he reacts by saying that they harm themselves more than they do him because they are ignorant of the outcome of their actions.
For Socrates the pursuit of wisdom and virtue is a means of improving society. He, the wise philosopher, seeks not to do wrong because he seeks wisdom to improve life and the living conditions of all.
Good and justice are thus found in the pursuit of knowledge. Those who know cannot do wrong because they know better, to put it simply.
You should note that though Socrates is given the death penalty he was asked to propose an alternative punishment. Since he does not accept that he did wrong he asks instead for a reward.
Plato's Apology describes Socrates as a radical philosopher calling society in question. He is demanding a revolution in Athenian life and civic culture.
His argument is that Athenian citizens are living worthless lives in that they are not engaged in "examining life" for the purpose of moving toward perfection.
Their lives are, therefore, without value.
He thus accepts his fate because he is not fearful of death. He does not know what death holds so to fear death would be a kind of false consciousness.
Instead, Socrates hold on to his positions because he knows they are right and divine and he acts in accordance.
He is compelled to do so as a political philosopher.
(Please begin reading Plato's Republic)
Plato's Republic is no easy read. Do not despair. You are not alone in wondering what it all means. It will take many readings, most of which will happen over the course of your life, to grasp most of the themes and meanings contained in the book.
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