Critique Of Socrates's Apology: The Republic Of The Republic

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Critique 1

In the Apology, Socrates is “guilty” with three new charges that consist of corrupting the youth, not acknowledging the gods acknowledged in the city, and introducing new divinities. Throughout all the accusations, Socrates remains calm and thoughtful; such a clever man he is. Socrates then presents a remarkably multilevel strong defense, proving his innocence.
One of the approaches Socrates takes to prove his innocence is a comparison between horses and all living and artificial things. ‘Do people in general improve them, whereas one particular person corrupts them or makes them worse? Or isn’t it wholly the opposite: one particular person – or the very few who are horse trainers – is able to improve them, whereas the majority …show more content…

‘I, men of Athens, reply that it’s Meletus who is guilty of playing around with serious matters, of lightly bringing people to trial, and of professing to be seriously concerned about things he has never cared about at all.’ (24c) First, Socrates is saying that Meletus has no concern for the youth. Second, you cannot charge another person for corrupting the youth if you show no concern for them. Therefore, since Meletus has no concern for the youth, he cannot charge Socrates for corrupting the youth. In conclusion, Meletus contradicts himself, which makes Socrates innocent. “Well then, Meletus, it has been adequately established that you’ve never given any thought to young people – you’ve plainly revealed your indifference – and that you care nothing about the issues on which you bring me to trial’ (25c) …show more content…

Hence, Adding every argument up; first, specialists are not responsible for the corruption of the youth. Secondly, people who contradict themselves make false charges. Third, people who unintentionally corrupt the youth are not guilty. This concludes that Socrates is a specialist in his field, corrupted the youth unintentionally, and was falsely accused, which logically leads to Socrates being not guilty, and not having a reason to be

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