blog




  • Essay / Socrates' Defense: Overview of Plato's Excuses

    This is particularly evident when he describes the gadfly analogy, claiming that it was “attached to [Athens] by the god” (35d). Although it seems presumptuous to claim that one is a gift to the people, Socrates goes on to say that he "will never cease to lift up each of the [people of Athens]" (35d). Socrates ultimately states that he cares about each person and practices philosophy for the greater good of the people. He compares his relationship with the people to that of a “father or older brother [in order] to persuade [the people] to care about virtue” (35b). As seen throughout history, society is naturally opposed to revolutionary ideas, and Socrates recognizes that acquiring knowledge is generally uncomfortable for individuals. Furthermore, Socrates argues that it is wiser to admit one is wrong than to present oneself as an expert. Socrates admits that he has no specialized wisdom, but he remains the wisest man in Athens. I told this story when I was a camp counselor, and we played a game with the kids where we blindfolded them and led them through an endless maze. Children had to raise their hands once they found the exit from the maze. Once the child raised their hand and asked for help, we led them out of the maze. This game was supposed to teach children that asking for help was