The McConnell Scholars analyzed Plato’s The Apology on April 12th, 2010. The Apology embodies Plato’s recollection of the trial of Socrates. Of all the works of Plato, The Apology provides the most evidence of historical accuracy. The trial of Socrates began with a reading of the charges. The court accused Socrates of impiety, corrupting the youth, and using rhetoric to strengthen weak arguments. Socrates refuted these charges by explaining that he utilized philosophy to serve the Gods. The Oracle at Delphi proclaimed Socrates was the wisest man in all of Greece, but Socrates doubted this prophecy. To test the truth of this prophecy, Socrates sought out the great men of his country. He discovered that politicians know nothing, poets know only their divine gifts, and mechanics attempt to apply expert knowledge in one field to all fields. Socrates testified before the court that his wisdom results from the fact that he knows he knows nothing. If Socrates ceased practicing philosophy, he would be violating the will of the Gods. The ancient court rejected the man’s explanation and sentenced him to death.
The Apology provoked an opinionated discussion among the McConnell Scholars. Several Scholars rejected the concept that a lack of knowledge could epitomize wisdom. However, others argued that the acceptance of intellectual weakness allows a person to better understand their place in the world. Senior Scholar Kirk Laughlin stated, “Plato’s work urges humanity to accept their miniscule status in the scheme of the universe. The character of Socrates believed that the knowledge possessed by mankind amounted to nothing in the face of the Gods’ truth.” The Apology forced the Scholars to reevaluate the weight of their knowledge.
Plato described Socrates as the gadfly of Greece society. This gadfly circles and annoys the horse of society attempting to make the beast move. The Apology asks the contemporary audience to review those people who oppose the commonly held beliefs of society. Does this questioning of knowledge and belief damage the morality and viability of mankind? On the contrary, those people most ostracized by society push its development. The Apology teaches that society progresses through the reactions to its gadflies.
The Apology provoked an opinionated discussion among the McConnell Scholars. Several Scholars rejected the concept that a lack of knowledge could epitomize wisdom. However, others argued that the acceptance of intellectual weakness allows a person to better understand their place in the world. Senior Scholar Kirk Laughlin stated, “Plato’s work urges humanity to accept their miniscule status in the scheme of the universe. The character of Socrates believed that the knowledge possessed by mankind amounted to nothing in the face of the Gods’ truth.” The Apology forced the Scholars to reevaluate the weight of their knowledge.
Plato described Socrates as the gadfly of Greece society. This gadfly circles and annoys the horse of society attempting to make the beast move. The Apology asks the contemporary audience to review those people who oppose the commonly held beliefs of society. Does this questioning of knowledge and belief damage the morality and viability of mankind? On the contrary, those people most ostracized by society push its development. The Apology teaches that society progresses through the reactions to its gadflies.