Socrates Trial and Death Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Socrates Trial and Death - Essay Example In this paper, investigation will be done on some events leading to his trial and death. The discussion will be based on a martyr and an anti-democratic interpretation. The dialog on apology starts on a rather ironical manner. It is not an apology in the real sense but a conversation between Socrates and the jury during his trial. He had been blamed of not recognizing the gods recognized by the state, in addition to invention of new deities and corruption of the youths of Athens. In this scenario, he sacrifices himself to be tried for the sake of the State of Athens, which he believes is rotten with bad practices of worshiped unworthy gods. In his trial, he pays less respect to the formalities of a court, and goes to an extent of proclaiming that since he is inexperienced with the law courts, he will speak in a manner accustomed to him. He promises to speak with total honesty and directness. In an attempt to prove his innocence, he claims that he is the wisest man, after which he recognizes his ignorance and corrects himself by stating that he knows nothing. He is ready to take any verdict, believing that it will seal his fate as the person who tri ed to question and correct the seemingly wise men. The youths consider him a hero who deserves nothing else but the authority to continue with his role of correcting the state. His accusers, Meletus and the other people he embarrassed, treated him with hatred and anger. They are determined to see him silenced forever. In his dialog with Meletus, he tries to embarrass him. Socrates feels very important and likens himself to a gadfly which stings the lazy horse, the Athenian state. His death would be a sacrifice just like a martyr who dies to save the rest of the humankind. He threatens the state that in case it sentences him to death; it will fall into a deep sleep. The death penalty seals his fate, despite his request to pay a fine instead. Just like a martyr, he fearlessly agrees