Socrates A Martyr Or Confessor Essay - 1346 Words

Socrates: A Martyr or Confessor Socrates was a man in Athens, who set out in search for truth and knowledge. In doing this, he managed to anger some of his fellow men by exposing their ignorance. In 399 BC, he was arraigned on three different charges. He was accused of corrupting the youth of Athens. He was, also, indicted on charges of heresy and treason. As well, charged with being an atheist, not believing in the Gods. According to some people, Socrates deserved to die and to others his death made him a martyr. Using several sources, including The Apology, I will enlighten readers with the reasons behind some people’s beliefs that he died a martyr, in addition to, the beliefs of others who say Socrates had a touch of arrogance in insensitivity and deserved the death sentence, hence, the confessor. The Apology is Plato’s rendition of Socrates’ trial, but despite what the name would have you believe, it is not about Socrates having an expression of regret or admission to having done anything wrong. The word apology comes from the Greek word â€Å"apologia† meaning â€Å"explanation†. Something that is said to defend something that other people criticize. Or a desire to make clear the grounds for some course, belief, or position (Merriam-Webster Dictionary). In literature, an autobiographical form in which a defense is the framework for discussion of the author s personal beliefs. An example is Plato s Apology, in which Socrates answers his accusers by giving a history of hisShow MoreRelatedThe Christianity Of Persecution Of The Early Church2528 Words   |  11 Pagesduring the most challenging of times. But are we believing in a false history? Are we taking the truth of Christian persecution for granted when it is, in fact, not true at all? And, finally, are we placing too much significance on early Christian martyrs, thinking that they demonstrate far more than they are able? According to Candida Moss, the answer to all three of these questions is, yes. In her book, The Myth of Persecution, she argues that the church has significantly overemphasized the extentRead MoreDeveloping Management Skills404131 Words   |  1617 PagesLEARNING Key Dimensions of Self-Awareness For more than 300 years, knowledge of the self has been considered to be at the very core of human behavior. The ancient dictum â€Å"Know thyself† has been variously attributed to Plato, Pythagoras, Thales, and Socrates. Plutarch noted that this inscription was carved on the Delphic Oracle, that mystical sanctuary where kings and generals sought advice on matters of greatest importance to them. As early as 42 B.C., Publilius Syrus proposed: â€Å"It matters not what