1.1.3

Lecture 1.1.3: Socrates's Mission

In the second half of the dialogue of Plato's Apology, Socrates addresses the jury directly and outlines the philosophical basis of his actions and beliefs in Athens. His defense is structured around seven subtopics, discussed extensively from pages 30 to 44 of the Apology.

Overview of the Seven Subtopics

1. The Relative Rationality or Irrationality of the Fear of Death (Pages 30-34)

2. The Proper State of One's Soul (Page 34)

3. The Truest and Fullest Meaning of "Apologia" (Page 35)

4. The Incompatibility of Politics and the Fight for Justice (Pages 36-37)

5. Admonition to the Jury Not to Perjure Themselves (Pages 38-39)

6. Discussion of an Appropriate Penalty and the Value of the Examined Life (Pages 39-41)

7. View on the Relative Ease of Escaping Death Compared to Wickedness (Epilogue, Pages 42-44)

Section 1: Fear of Death

Socrates confronts the criticism of his life choices, especially in light of the danger of death at an advanced age. He imagines an accuser questioning his wisdom, suggesting that he should be ashamed of his actions leading to a death sentence. Socrates responds firmly, advocating that an honorable person should prioritize actions based on their morality rather than fear of death. He remarks:

Socrates emphasizes that a life spent in disgrace, failing to perform one's duty, is worse than facing death. He claims:

Overcoming Fear

Socrates outlines his philosophical understanding of death and fear, noting:

He underscores that the fear of the unknown, such as death, can often be irrational, and advises that individuals should consciously avoid fearing the unknowable.

Discussion of the Rumsfeld Matrix

In elucidating the concepts related to fear and knowledge, Socrates parallels his thoughts with the Rumsfeld matrix, noting:

• Known Knowns: Things we know we know.

• Known Unknowns: Things we know we don't know.

• Unknown Unknowns: Things we don't know we don't know.

• Unknown Knowns: Things we don't realize we know.

Socrates asserts that we should not fear the truly unknowable aspects of life. An example presented is the case of a person who was unaware of their shortcomings until they achieve self-awareness, transforming an unknown unknown into a known known. Socrates argues:

Key Distinction

The distinction Socrates tries to make is between the truly unknowable and the things we have simply failed to learn. In the case of unknowns that can be known, it is rational to seek knowledge, as the responsibility lies with individuals to pursue understanding, contrasting the irrationality of fearing what is in principle unknowable, such as the nature of death itself.

Section 2: State of Soul

Socrates's understanding of his mission in Athens evolves beyond merely seeking wisdom from oracles to pursuing reflective humility, which involves intellectual curiosity and self-examination. He states:

He acknowledges a lack of authenticity among many Athenians who claim wisdom without true understanding. Through exposition, he encourages critical self-awareness about virtues over material pursuits such as wealth and status. Socrates poses:

While he acknowledges the importance of reputation, Socrates emphasizes that true value comes from moral excellence and character. He articulates:

Section 3: Apologia and Gadfly

Socrates delineates the purpose of his defense and the broader implications of his mission for the Athenians. He recognizes that:

The term "Apologia" in Plato’s work embodies three meanings:

1. The modern sense of apology (as in, expressing remorse) does not apply.

2. The legal definition is a defense presented by the defendant.

3. The deeper meaning emphasizes that his defense serves not only him but the jury, as it holds a mirror to their values and decisions. Socrates asserts:

Socrates likens himself to a gadfly, a nuisance that provokes thought and self-scrutiny among the Athenian society, thus compelling them to strive for higher ideals of intellectual and ethical living.

Section 4: Justice and Private Life

Socrates reflects on the nature of civic leadership and the perils of engaging in the public sphere. Although many argue that wise individuals should guide society, Socrates argues that active participation in politics often leads to moral compromises. He states:

Socrates maintains that true justice occurs outside established societal structures, advocating for discreet yet impactful actions come what may. This takes a pragmatic view on combatting injustice, suggesting that surviving the societal challenges extends beyond mere survival to an engaged and thoughtful engagement.

Section 5: Per Oration and Perjury

In the closing segment of his speech, Socrates admonishes the jury about their commitment to justice. He critiques the practice of emotional manipulation during trials:

He condemns jurors who judge based on emotional responses rather than rational standards of law and evidence, characterizing such actions as perjury—violations of their sworn duties. Socrates emphasizes:

Section 6: Counter Penalty: The Unexamined Life

As the trial nears its conclusion, Socrates challenges the jury to consider the implications of his potential sentence. He provocatively states:

He argues that a life devoid of self-examination is not truly human. By asserting:

Socrates invites the Athenians to reflect on the necessity of intellectual and moral introspection.

Section 7: Epilogue: Death vs. Wickedness

In his final remarks, Socrates provides a meditation on death compared to wickedness, asserting:

He emphasizes the persistent and immediate challenges posed by moral failures, which overshadow the fear of death itself. Socrates contrasts the inevitability of death with the frequent occurrences of ethical misconduct, concluding that the faster pursuit of wickedness is more concerning for societal integrity.

Socrates affirms:

As the lecture transitions to explore Plato's Republic, emphasis will shift to understanding the nature of justice and the ideal state of the soul, providing a basis for character excellence.