Plato's Apology: the character of Socrates - Essay Example

The first phase consists of Socrates’ defense against the accusations leveled against him. In the second phase, after having been found guilty, Socrates suggests alternatives to the death penalty. Socrates’ final speeches to those who condemn him, and to the others who acquit him, make up the third phase. In addition to the brilliance of its logic, the “Apology” is also an eloquent testimony to the sterling character of Socrates, and serves to inform the reader about Socrates the man.

“The Apology of Socrates” gives the reader deep insights into the philosopher’s dedication to his calling, his faith in God and his courage. Socrates’ love for philosophy runs through his entire speech in the “Apology”. This is evident in his unequivocal declaration, “as long as I draw breath and am able, I won’t give up practicing philosophy” (Plato, 659). Socrates is aware that his current trial, and impending death, is the direct result of his practice of philosophy. As he goes about his task of questioning the citizens of Athens, exposing the ignorance of politicians, poets, artisans and orators, he realizes that he is “arousing hostility” (Plato, 652).

By tearing apart their pretensions of wisdom, and forcing them to confront their ignorance, he antagonizes a large number of individuals. Socrates admits that he faces the death penalty only because he “didn’t mind my own business throughout my life” (Plato, 665). However, so deep is his commitment to the pursuit of wisdom and truth, and the care of the soul, that he is willing to refuse the offer of life and freedom, if it is based on the condition that he stops practicing philosophy. In the service of his calling, Socrates confesses to “the neglect of my domestic life” (Plato, 661).

His dedication to the propagation of virtue makes him take on the role of “a father or elder brother” (Plato, 661) to the citizens of Athens. His advice is given freely and he does not accept any payment. This fact is proved by his statement, “I live in extreme poverty” (Plato, 653). In spite of these hardships, Socrates is totally dedicated to philosophy: so much so, that he even looks forward to death, if it gives him the opportunity to continue “examining and searching people” (669).

It is obvious that the motivating factor of Socrates’ personality is this profound love for philosophy. As Socrates defends himself against the accusations leveled against him, his faith in God is continuously reiterated in his speech. He emphatically refutes Meletus’ accusation of atheism, and reaffirms his belief in a Daimon, or divine being. Socrates asserts, “a divine and daimonic thing comes to me” (661). He holds that, right from his childhood, he hears divine voices, which hold him back from certain actions.

He considers his role of a philosopher to have been assigned to him by God. He defiantly declares, “God stationed me here” (659). His sense of divine vocation is so strong that he calls himself “god’s gift” (660) to the Athenians. He compares himself to a gadfly which goads a horse to action. He is ready to defy men in his obedience to his god: “I’ll obey the god rather than you” (659). Socrates is firm in his conviction that renouncing his calling is tantamount to disobeying god.

Socrates’ courage is one of the strongest traits in his character. The courage of his convictions enables him to remain steadfast even in the face of death. He declares, “