Plato’s Apology

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do not think I have. I do know, however, that it is wicked and shameful to do wrong, to disobey one’s superior, be he god or man (29b Apology)”. Though he makes himself a target and unpopular in the process, his duty to the god’s oracle is unmatched. Socrates believes it is his duty to fulfill some function, and though it may seem ridiculous, thus is the reason God has placed him in the city of Athens. “I realized, to my sorrow and alarm, that I was getting unpopular, but I thought that I must attach the greatest importance to the god’s oracle, so I must go to all those who had any reputation for knowledge to examine its meaning (22a Apology)”. Socrates remained in his post, in the face of danger, without any thought for death or anything else, because it would have been a disgrace otherwise. His commitment and service to the god effectively proves why he continued to cross-examine others.

In conclusion, Socrates interprets the oracle’s words as a fact that he is wise due to the reason that he is deficient at having wisdom and does not bother to make the people of Athens believe he knows more about what he truly does not know. He simply claims that his Human wisdom is limited to never assuming he knew what he actually did not know. Socrates understands that his wisdom is worthless, unlike many of the wisest in Athens. After countless encounters, it is safe to say that his cross-examinations only proved his determination to eliminate and expose those who are not truly wise. Socrates teaches us that if we are efficient at a task, we should not think ourselves wise in other aspects of life. He strongly stands his ground and love for wisdom, not having any concern of his fate, because he did not commit any harm and the only harm is being a person of wrong doing.

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