Analysis Of Socrates

Socrates ,a great philosopher, is not a corruptor of the youth of Athens or atheist, but an educator and guide. He believes that truth and reasoning can only be gained through dialogue and therefore he formulates a political philosophy established on the idea of forming a city on principles of reason. He sees the search for truth as a process of examining claims. Socrates encourages his audience and leads them to follow his course of thought by asking them questions. He leads discussions with youth to help them find the distinction between justice and injustice, which can lead to a better life. Socrates is accused of corrupting the youth and not believing in the Gods of the state. However ,he is a lover of wisdom ,a seeker of truth and his essential mission is to teach. He wants only to discover what is true and good about human nature.

He roams the streets of Athens questioning the prominent citizens on theirs beliefs. Socrates proposes three argument in favor of the just life over the unjust life: the just man is good and wise, and the unjust man is bad and ignorant(349b); injustice produces internal conflict which prevents effective actions (351b).Furthermore he said that virtue is excellence at a thing’s function and the just person lives a happier life than the unjust person, since he does the various functions of the human soul well (352d). What Socrates' actually knows is beyond description, but he can consistently tell when somebody neglects to identify his own ignorance.

He believes in the four virtues: courage, wisdom, justice and temperance(428d through 441e). He believes philosophy is man's most honorable, plus most beneficial, occupation; actually, it is his duty. He appr...

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...his teachings had more accuracy than the opponents themselves had.

Suppressing the minds and hearts of the people ultimately fails. So, while the government of Athens may try to control its philosopher and teachers this tactic never succeeds. Socrates is not a corruptor of youth; he teaches, guides, and encourages. The leaders of Athens should be thankful that such a genuine philosopher existed in their state and he is willing to give his time, energy and wisdom to the fortunate youth.

He may have had some young people following him, but all they were doing was listening to the conversations Socrates had with the people of Athens. If the youth come up with ideas based on the conversations he had, then that is perfectly okay. Their beliefs are forming from within their own selves, not Socrates, for Socrates explicitly showed that he is not teaching anyone anything.