The Life and Impacts of Socrates Essay Example

Socrates is a widely known philosopher who impacted many people and continues to today. Although he was around years ago, people continue to study him and his beliefs to this day. Through the Apology and Crito, Socrates' beliefs and intentions are made clear. I will argue that Socrates is helpful to the city of Athens because he challenged their beliefs, displayed how to be a good citizen, and showed them what it meant to be a true leader. 

Socrates highly valued the laws put in place and regarded following them as living a good life. In Crito, Socrates is in jail waiting to be put to death after his trial. Crito makes an argument as to why Socrates should try to escape jail and flee Athens. Socrates does not agree with this. He argues with Crito and reflects on what the laws might say in the case that he did flee. He believes the laws would say “And if you first go to one of the closest cities, to Thebes or to Megara...you would be an enemy, Socrates, of those governments, and all those who care about their cities will regard you suspiciously, thinking that you are a destroyer of the laws...Will you flee, then, from well-governed cities and from the most civilized people? Is it worth it to you to live like this?” (53b Crito 56). Through thinking about what the laws would say, he rationalizes staying in jail and accepting death. He knows that if he were to escape he would be considered either an enemy or a nobody. This is far from the life Socrates wants to live and he would rather die than live in either of these ways. Additionally, Socrates believes that leading a good life comes with being a law-abiding citizen. Socrates is not one to break the law even if he does not agree with it. He says, “You will also strengthen the conviction of the jury that they passed the right sentence on you, for anyone who destroys the laws could easily be thought to corrupt the young and the ignorant” (53c Crito 56). He realizes that if he does flee he will give people more reason to believe he deserved his punishment. Specifically in this situation breaking the law only would be detrimental to him. Through following the laws, he shows people how to be a good leader.

Socrates also valued leadership and sought to show people what it meant to be a good leader. A major thing that he always stood by was continuing his work with philosophy regardless of the consequences. During his trial, he tells the people “ if, as I say, you were to acquit me on those terms, I would say to you: "Men of Athens, I am grateful and I am your friend, but I will obey the god rather than you, and as long as I draw breath and am able, I shall not cease to practice philosophy…” (29d apology 34). Even in the face of a jury and all of his accusers he continues to stand by what he believed was his purpose. Furthermore, he says “Whether you believe Anytus or not, whether you acquit me or not, do so on the understanding that this is my course of action, even if I am to face death many times” (30b apology 34). To take things even further he tells the jury that he will die for what he is doing. He believes so strongly in his work that he is willing to die for it. This is a characteristic that many influential leaders in the world have. By saying this he shows the people that he is serious about his work and truly believes what he says is the truth. Lastly, Socrates claims that he has always been more concerned with the people of Athens rather than himself. He said, “...I am the kind of person to be a gift of the god to the city you might realize from the fact that it does not seem like human nature for me to have neglected all my own affairs and to have tolerated this neglect now for so many years while I was always concerned with you, approaching each one of you like a father or an elder brother to persuade you to care for virtue” (31b apology 35). Socrates says he has acted like a father or a brother to people, which is something a leader should do. 

Lastly, Socrates puts the beliefs of the people of Athens to the test. Specifically, he challenged Crito’s beliefs. While Crito was trying to convince Socrates to flee jail Socrates questioned Crito’s reasoning. He says “Let us examine the question together, my dear friend, and if you can make any objection while I am speaking, make it and I will listen to you, but if you have no objection to make, my dear Crito, then stop now from saying the same things so often, that I must lace here against the will of the Athenians” (48e Crito 51). Although this is only one person that is challenged in this situation, it is an example of how Socrates disputes with others. Also during the trial, Socrates asks Meletus, one of the accusers, multiple questions to provoke his thoughts. He says, “Meletus, tell us also whether it is better for a man to live among good or wicked fellow-citizens. Answer, my good man, for I am not asking a difficult question. Do not the wicked do some harm to those who are ever closest to them, whereas good people benefit them?—Certainly” (25c apology 30). Socrates is not afraid to challenge someone when he believes their way of thinking is wrong. He tries his best to continually spread what he believes to be the truth to those around him. 

The Apology and Crito provide insight into the life and work of Socrates. He continues to be an influential person even in today’s society because of these texts. Through the texts, I was convinced that Socrates was helpful to the city of Athens because he put people's beliefs to the test, showed how to be a good citizen, and exemplified what it meant to be a true leader.