Why Is Socrates Not Guilty

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Socrates seems to have a compelling argument for his innocence. But, as this paper will argue, because of pomposity he fails to persuade the jury and members of the council into an acquittal resulting in being sentenced to death. There are four sets of arguments that Socrates uses to support the claim that he is not guilty: the divine mission from god, findings during his interviews with the people of Athens, his claim that the Athenians know nothing, and a careless approach to death. I will examine them one by one to show how Socrates is pompous. Socrates explains to the court where his motives stem from: he believes he is called to a divine mission by a god. This type of proclamation of being a chosen one is presented as being very pompous. "I shall call upon the god of Delphi as a witness to the existence and nature of my wisdom, if it be such" (p.89 - 20 E). Socrates also defends his knowledge by claming what the Oracle said, "No person was wiser than Socrates"(20 C). Socrates initially thought the oracle was mistaken, " Whatever does the god mean? 'What is his riddle' ? "(p.89 - 20 D). These questions presumably make the people of Athens angry because no one is supposed to have reservations on what the gods articulate. With much talk about the gods, Meletus questions the beliefs of Socrates claiming that he is an atheist. This type of claim projects Socrates mission to be permissible because it has a stamp of approval from the gods. Socrates asks Meletus what he is accused of believing. "I cannot be sure whether…show more content…
Based on all four sets of arguments that Socrates uses such as the divine mission from god, findings during his interviews, his claim that the Athenians know nothing, an a careless approach to death, the counsel finds him guilty. Socrates last words really give him the final word in an pompous manner to say 'I
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