Analysis of Plato's Apology
Dillian Pemberton
Dr. Hyo Kim
English 212
August 28, 2012
Quote: “ I am called wise, for my hearers always imagine that I myself posses the wisdom… but the truth is O men of Athens that only god is wise”
Apology by Plato is an argument that defends both he and his master, Socrates’, way of thinking and looking at the world and records his masters last argument in defense of philosophy. At the time this work was created, Socrates was under persecution by many for blasphemy. This piece is significant because, rather than contest his persecutors claims that he is not all knowing, Socrates humbles himself by saying that he is ignorant when compared to all that he has left to learn. Socrates further reinforces this appearance of himself by admitting that he his not skilled in the art of oration and as a result his words should not be judged on their presentation but rather their meaning. In doing so Socrates efficiently dismantles his persecutors arguments that he is self-righteous and a liar and forces his jurors to decide for themselves what is the truth and what is not.
Being that this is a work written by Plato rather than his master Socrates it is possible for the reader to see how Socrates and his way of Philosophical thinking inspires those who have a thirst for knowledge. It is because of this that many of Socrates’s persecutors believed him to be a dangerous man. This is made apparent with one of the accusations made. This accusation claimed that Socrates charged his students for the opportunity to expand their mind. This was most likely done to dissuade future student from following in the path of this great philosopher. To this Socrates replied “As little foundation is there for the report that I am a teacher, and take money; this accusation has no more truth in it than the other. Although, if a man were really able to instruct mankind, to receive money for giving instruction would, in my opinion, be an honour to him. (2)” What this quote his saying
Dr. Hyo Kim
English 212
August 28, 2012
Quote: “ I am called wise, for my hearers always imagine that I myself posses the wisdom… but the truth is O men of Athens that only god is wise”
Apology by Plato is an argument that defends both he and his master, Socrates’, way of thinking and looking at the world and records his masters last argument in defense of philosophy. At the time this work was created, Socrates was under persecution by many for blasphemy. This piece is significant because, rather than contest his persecutors claims that he is not all knowing, Socrates humbles himself by saying that he is ignorant when compared to all that he has left to learn. Socrates further reinforces this appearance of himself by admitting that he his not skilled in the art of oration and as a result his words should not be judged on their presentation but rather their meaning. In doing so Socrates efficiently dismantles his persecutors arguments that he is self-righteous and a liar and forces his jurors to decide for themselves what is the truth and what is not.
Being that this is a work written by Plato rather than his master Socrates it is possible for the reader to see how Socrates and his way of Philosophical thinking inspires those who have a thirst for knowledge. It is because of this that many of Socrates’s persecutors believed him to be a dangerous man. This is made apparent with one of the accusations made. This accusation claimed that Socrates charged his students for the opportunity to expand their mind. This was most likely done to dissuade future student from following in the path of this great philosopher. To this Socrates replied “As little foundation is there for the report that I am a teacher, and take money; this accusation has no more truth in it than the other. Although, if a man were really able to instruct mankind, to receive money for giving instruction would, in my opinion, be an honour to him. (2)” What this quote his saying