How does Socrates defend himself against Meletus?
Socrates now turns from his old accusers to his new ones, those who have brought him to trial. In order to defend himself against these charges, Socrates calls on Meletus, his principal accuser, and interrogates him in the familiar form of the elenchus, or cross-examination. …
Does Socrates agree with Meletus?
Eventually, however, Socrates gets an answer from Meletus, who claims that the laws make the young good. Socrates does not accept this answer, insisting that he wants to know “the person whose first business it is to know the laws.” (24e).
Was Socrates defense convincing?
The fact that the jury finds him guilty on a relatively close vote of 280 to220 indicates that Socrates’ defense, though not successful, is quite convincing….Success of Socrates’ Defense Essay.
| Reading time | 4 min |
|---|---|
| Death | 399 BC |
| Cause of death | Execution by forced suicide by poisoning |
| Era | Ancient Greek philosophy |
What were Socrates arguments against the accusations?
The trial of Socrates (399 BC) was held to determine the philosopher’s guilt of two charges: asebeia (impiety) against the pantheon of Athens, and corruption of the youth of the city-state; the accusers cited two impious acts by Socrates: “failing to acknowledge the gods that the city acknowledges” and “introducing new …
Why does Socrates say that Meletus is likely to be wise?
Socrates says that Meletus is likely to be wise because Meletus has knowledge about the charge he is giving Socrates and Meletus also says that he “knows how young men are corrupted and who corrupts them.”
What is Socrates response to the verdict?
When the jury rejects his suggestion and sentences him to death, Socrates stoically accepts the verdict with the observation that no one but the gods know what happens after death and so it would be foolish to fear what one does not know.
How does Socrates show Meletus to have contradicted himself in regard to Socrates belief in the gods?
Meletus, in fact, when questioned about it, insists that Socrates is an atheist. The charge, of course, was a ridiculous one, and Socrates makes this clear by pointing out that Meletus has contradicted himself by saying that Socrates has introduced new and strange divinities and yet does not believe in any deity.
Who was Socrates accused for?
Socrates was accused of corrupting the youth of Athens and sentenced to death. Choosing not to flee, he spent his final days in the company of his friends before drinking the executioner’s cup of poisonous hemlock.
What is the contradiction Socrates points out about Meletus accusation that Socrates is an atheist?
Socrates then asks Meletus to state how it is that he is corrupting the youth. Furthermore, Socrates points out that Meletus has involved himself in a self-contradiction: he accuses Socrates of introducing new and strange divinities and at the same time asserts that he is an atheist who does not believe in any god.
What does Socrates specifically say about Meletus to euthyphro?
Socrates remarks what a promising young start this Meletus is making, weeding out the corruptors of the city’s youth: Socrates himself believes that the excellence of the youth should be of utmost concern. Meletus has also accused Socrates of inventing new gods and not recognizing those that exist.
Why doesn’t Socrates answer Meletus charge by stating his religious beliefs directly?
The opposition to Socrates on the part of Meletus and his associates was based to some extent on religious grounds. Because Socrates did not believe in the gods recognized by the state, it was inferred that he did not believe in any divine being.
What were Socrates beliefs?
Philosophy. Socrates believed that philosophy should achieve practical results for the greater well-being of society. He attempted to establish an ethical system based on human reason rather than theological doctrine. Socrates pointed out that human choice was motivated by the desire for happiness.