The Apology & Euthphro
The Apology is a description of the speech given by Socrates at his trial. He was put on trial for not recognizing the gods, inventing new gods, and corrupting the people of Athens. Although the title of this work is The Apology, it doesn't seem to me like he's really apologizing. He's simply explaining himself. The account that Socrates gives to the court is that his behavior comes from a prophecy given to him by the Oracle at Apollo, whom said he was the wisest of all men. He then interpreted that he's only wiser then other wise men because he knows that he knows nothing. He questioned other wise men in Athens, exposing their false wisdom, and embarrassing them greatly. Socrates sticks by his beliefs, and defends the way he has chosen to live.
Socratic irony is when Socrates pretends to be the ignorant student hoping to learn from an "expert", when he ends up showing Euthyphro and Meletus that they are the ignorant ones who don't know anything about which they speak of. Euthyphro agrees that he knows all that is to be known about what is holy. During The Apology and Euthyphro, Socrates simply asks question after question after question. He believes that true knowledge comes when we are able to justify and account for why we believe what we believe. Socrates then commends, saying that Euthyphro must be very knowledgeable in matters concerning religious if he's so willing to prosecute his own father on such a questionable charge. As the "lesson" goes on, Socrates manages to pick apart each definition Euthyphro provides. This causes the "teacher" to question their beliefs on their own, and besides the case with Meletus, allows the teacher to sort things out for themselves. He acknowledges his own ignorance, and therefore cannot take himself too seriously. He does not think he is better than anyone else, or even more intelligent. In both of the conversations, Socratic irony is illustrated. Euthyphro is there to prosecute his father for unintentionally killing an insane farm hand. When Socrates gets the chance to cross examine Meletus, he embarrasses him over and over again. Even though Socrates proves his point during the trial, he is still sentenced to death. Characteristics of a Philosopher Both of these encounters show the characteristics an ideal philosopher should have.
Common topics in this essay:
Oracle Apollo,
Athens Euthyphro,
Euthyphro Meletus,
Apology Apology,
Characteristics Philosopher,
Euthyphro Socrates,
Socrates Euthyphro,
question question,
socratic irony,
ideal philosopher,
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