The Gadfly Passage

The Gadfly Passage

  • Submitted By: vnica224
  • Date Submitted: 12/17/2009 11:39 AM
  • Category: Philosophy
  • Words: 579
  • Page: 3
  • Views: 709

In the gadfly passage from Plato’s Apology Socrates is on trial for corrupting the youth of Athens and not believing in the gods. However Socrates refers to the gods several times in this passage and even proclaims himself to be a gift from them to Athens. Socrates is a man on a mission from the gods in search of truth and teaching others to do the same. These actions have awakened the state officials, if only they would take the time to understand his views, this could lead to immense progress in Athens. Rather than corrupting the youth he is teaching them to think for themselves and not blindly accept what others, including him, present to them as truth. Therefore if Socrates is found guilty and put to death Athens would be at a great loss.
Socrates goal was to enlighten the public and expose those who claim to have wisdom they do not possess. With Socrates help the people of Athens could have become more logical, once they acknowledged what they did not know and began to question what they’ve been exposed to. People would be in search of truth and strive to learn more through examination of the world around them. This would relinquish citizens of their ignorance and allow them to expand their horizons.
Socrates’ actions also awakened the government which was exactly what they needed. Once again it is clear that Socrates is there to help the state rather than cause destructive conflict, giving credit to his claim of being a gift to Athens. He refers to himself as a gadfly and the state as a noble steed, but a lazy one. This comparison is crucial because it points out the fact that the state is a great prosperous one with the potential for further advancement. However its static state is holding it back from completing such achievements. Socrates would be the driving force to change Athens and its officials, if only they could open their minds and surrender their pride for the better. Resulting in a government where officials would be respected...

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