Introduction: Popularity of Plato’s”Apology“
Popularity of Plato’s “Apology” endures even after two millennia, owing to its eloquence, argumentative strength, and truth. Delivered in defense of himself during his trial with the jury, Socrates faced accusations of corrupting the young men of Athens, with one statement summarizing the sentiment: “That man Socrates is a pestilential fellow who corrupts the young” (Plato 4). Summoned to respond to these charges, Plato himself was brought before the court by accusers such as Meletus, who accused him of atheism, corruption of youth, and promoting unconventional ideas. Despite the brevity of time allotted for his defense, Socrates adeptly cross-examined his accusers and presented a logical defense of his case.
Eloquence and Popularity of Plato’s “Apology”
As far as eloquence is concerned, the structure of “The Apology” presents one of the most compelling final speeches of all time. It consists of three major parts: the defense against recent accusers, the defense against past accusers, and the defense against the main accusations. Plato, through Socrates, articulates that “accusers are of two kinds” (01). After addressing both sets of accusers, Socrates presents the accusations, adding that he “makes the worse argument stronger” (01). Upon the announcement of his sentence, he courageously asserts his lack of fear of death, delivering his final words. This organizational structure enhances the eloquence of his speech, especially when examined part by part.
Significance of Popularity of Plato’s “Apology”
The second reason for the significance of “The Apology” lies in the way Socrates presents his arguments. He employs various strategies to discredit his opponents, particularly Meletus and his associates, demonstrating the flaws in their accusations. Addressing the first accusation of atheism and impiety, Socrates appeals to reason and utilizes an analogy of spiritual activities, posing the question, “Does any man believe in spiritual activities who does not believe in spirits?” (06). This inquiry challenges the accusers, leaving them unable to provide a satisfactory response. Similarly, Socrates refutes the accusation of corrupting the youth by appealing to emotions and authority, inviting the elders to testify regarding their perceptions.
Religion and Popularity of Plato’s “Apology”
Similarly, towards the conclusion of his speech, Socrates reveals his underlying beliefs. He professes his faith in the gods, asserting that it is their divine mission to appoint him, through oracles and divine premonitions, to challenge the ignorance of officials and pseudo-intellectuals using his Socratic method of inquiry. The ultimate goal of this method, he explains, is to guide people to live virtuously, or as he terms it, according to “arête” (08). As he nears the end, Socrates addresses the jury, expressing his desire to maintain his reputation by facing death rather than seeking forgiveness, as he deems himself too old for such pursuits. He firmly states his refusal to retract his beliefs or go into exile, demonstrating his lack of fear towards death and his readiness to join the ancient sages in Hades (11). Essentially, he seeks to meet his end but not before exposing the fallacies of his opponents.
Conclusion: Popularity of Plato’s Apology
In short, “The Apology” is significant not only for its eloquence, which captivates the audience from the outset, but also for its ability to systematically dismantle baseless accusations through logical reasoning. Socrates employs impeccable argumentative methods to refute each accusation, while the structure of the text itself aligns with his purpose, enhancing its effectiveness. Furthermore, the language he employs is tailored to win over his audience, contributing to its universal popularity. These three factors collectively underscore the enduring significance of “The Apology.”
Works Cited: Popularity of Plato’s Apology
Reeve, Charles David Chanel. Socrates in the Apology: an essay on Plato’s Apology of Socrates. Hackett Publishing, 1989.
Relevant Questions about Popularity of Plato’s Apology
- How has the popularity of Plato’s “Apology” evolved over time, and what factors have contributed to its enduring relevance in contemporary discourse?
- What are some notable interpretations or analyses of Plato’s “Apology” that have influenced its popularity among scholars and general readers alike?
- In what ways has the accessibility of Plato’s “Apology” through various mediums, such as translations, adaptations, and online resources, impacted its widespread appeal and continued relevance in modern education and intellectual discussions
