Life or Death

Life or Death

Life or Death
I’m left stuck on top of this fence between life and death, and I’m not sure which side to leap onto. Why in the world did I have to be stuck as a jury member on my trip to visit my family? Okay, just calm down, take a deep breath, and let’s start from the beginning. I’m a member of the jury assigned to determine Socrates’ fate based on the charges brought upon him. There were old accusations against him, such as being “an evil-doer, and a curious person, who searches into things under the earth and in heaven, and he makes the worse appear the better cause…” (Plato 187). Also, he was accused for teaching and receiving compensation for it. But the accusations that brought him here today were of the essence of Socrates “corrupting the youth,” as well as “not believing in the gods of the state, but has other new divinities of his own” (Plato 192). This information alone does not solve anything. Therefore, let’s go deeper; let’s create scenarios. Yes, one that condemns him, and one that acquits him, that’s perfect! This way I can properly assess the entire defense and come to a clear conclusion. Alright then, let’s get started, shall we?
On what grounds can I condemn this man? Well, according to the new accusations against Socrates, he is said to “corrupt the youth,” which worried the accusers, causing them to bring him to trial. Socrates responds this statement by stating, “Either I don’t corrupt them, or I do so unintentionally,” (Plato 193). Can this be considered a proper and substantial response to such an accusation? This man is being accused of corrupting our future leaders with what’s considered harmful knowledge, and such a vague response is presented before us? This man can be killed if he doesn’t convincingly defend himself! On another note, he is accused of not believing in the gods of the state, and believes in other idols. Socrates responds to this by stating that he believes in the embodiment of gods and spiritual entities. This, in...

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