Socartes

Is Socrates Guilty? In the case of Socrates and the ancient Athenian government, it is difficult to determine whether or not he was actually guilty. We have to keep in mind that the Athenian Law is much different than laws today. Even though Athenian laws may have been unjust, they were still laws and Socrates’ trial would have to assessed accordingly. In other words, the laws in Athens back then may be immoral today, but they were still enforced and absolute. Also, there may be some information and evidence that was lost in translation. Some part of Plato’s recount of that day vanished over the years, and we are now stuck with a case with little to no evidence. However, from what we are given, I think that Socrates is innocent. For me, Socrates’ defense against the charge that he doesn’t believe in God’s is fairly sufficient. He admits to not believing in the God’s of Athens, but does assert that he lives his life by the words of some sort of higher being, or spirits. As he mentions, “I live in great poverty because of my service to God” (23c). I agree with his argument when he says that claiming he is an atheist is completely false, considering he does believe in higher power spiritual beings.Though Socrates did not believe in the same God as the Athenian people, i see no way of charging him for this offense. He does nothing wrong or unjust, and even goes as far as to say that in the end he knows nothing. I feel like the Athenian court system took this law far too literally and therefore on their literal translation of the law were able to charge Socrates. Next is the claim that Socrates has corrupted the youth. I can understand how the Athenians could argue that Socrates had corrupted the youth, for he had a group of individuals following his teachings and actions but I believe this offense also lacked any substantial evidence whatsoever. There is no proof that the youth is corrupt in any way. I agree, however, that waiting many years to find out