Socrates' and Plato's /Apology/: The Unjust Trial

1.    Do you think these charges are legitimate?  Is this a fair trial?

How do you think of the trials existed in the past by observing Plato’s The Apology? Didn’t you feel awkward? I don’t feel like the judges make valid decision where they should stand neutral, and make a logical judgment. I understand that the court system in the past had a different societal environment which functioned as one of the influences in juries’ decision. However, I think that no matter which time period it is, the court must be fair to everyone and stand to protect one’s right. Comparing the judicial system of nowadays and the past, I have noticed a vast difference; a long ago, people could accuse someone regarding “any” reason whereas people living in the present have to state reasonable motives. In my opinion, in the text, Socrates receives unjustifiable charges: guilty of being the only harmful influence to the youth and of being impious.

There are several effects which exert influences on youth both directly and gradually: friends, family, society, etc. However, Meletus lays a charge on Socrates of being the ONLY harmful impact to the youth. According to Socrates(the teacher), he, himself, has not affected his students adversely. He acknowledges that the teacher’s main duty is to educate students properly. Then, why would Socrates do such a thing like that? Well, to confirm his point, he calls out Meletus to show how wrong Meletus is, accusing him with illogical statement. Surely enough, Meletus struggles to respond Socrates’ simple questions which demonstrate his purity. What does Meletus do? Well, he rigidly agrees that Socrates “alone corrupt[s] [the youth]”(25-XIII) while all the Athenians exert good spirit in them; beside, he states that Socrates “willingly” has affected the young men with evil influences. If he provides them with strong supports, I would understand his point; yet, he proves weak points. Obviously, if someone hurt the other, the victim might avenge in return, which may contain violence, however, it doesn’t happen very often (I mean they don’t always put into real action). Alongside, people mostly try to just ignore it if it has small impact. Although humans may be sinned, they are not innate to be evil or harmful to the others with no reasons. Here, in Socrates’ case, he proves himself that he definitely doesn’t possess any feeling of revenge nor antipathy towards the youth; therefore, he would not attempt to put adverse effect to his students.  If the students act badly, it doesn’t mean that Socrates has the single responsibility for it, but there will be other causes.

The other charge is that Socrates is blameworthy of being impious. Basically, in Euthyphro, before The Apology, Socrates explains the true meaning of piety and impiety. What piety means is that “which is loved by the gods.”(15-XIX) On the other side, then, impiety means something that is not loved by the gods. Then, I can conclude that if Socrates is to be charged for being impious, Socrates should have done something that makes gods unpleasant, which might be NOT believing in gods. Thus, Meletus claimed Socrates as an “atheist.” This doesn’t make sense because Socrates did believe in the gods. Plus, Meletus knows it that Socrates does have beliefs. What is more surprising is that Meletus changes his previous statement into the other that Socrates is guilty of believing “in other new divinities”(24-XI) rather the gods of Athens. Does this make sense to you? At first, Meletus accuses Socrates of being an atheist, then of having different beliefs. How can someone not have any belief while believing in divine things and teaching them? It is comprehensibly shown that Meletus struggles corroborating his point by reluctantly changing his statement and imprecisely providing reasons of why Socrates should be sentenced to death. However, the juries hold up Meletus rather Socrates who evidently verifies his purity with facts and truths.

Overall, the trial is illegitimate as the judges support ridiculous statements of Meletus. The first charge is mistaken as Meletus claims the Socrates, “alone”, is responsible for the youth’s bad behavior. I know that I keep emphasize on “alone” but it is unjustified to put every responsibility on one innocent person while there are other factors and causes that influence the youth. Also, it is absurd thing to be issued on the trial in today’s society. In addition to that, nowadays, people have a right to select religion amongst various ones, and people all respect them. Living in the present society, I cannot think of blaming someone of having dissimilar religion compared to mine. Therefore, I think that Socrates has faced unfair trial, and died unfortunately.

(Well, what should I say more? Let’s blame what time period Socrates was born in. If he were to be born in the present, he would be rewarded for his great works rather than being accused of something that are so incongruous.)