Over the years, various thinkers and philosophers have developed various approaches and concepts that have attempted to explain and understand human nature and life itself. One of the most prominent philosophers of the past years is Socrates. He made a significant contribution to the construction and dissemination of concepts and postulates that can be applied not only to the period of the thinker’s activity but also to modern times. Among the most striking examples may be focusing on development, constant questioning of knowledge, and the need for change. Therefore, this work argues that the ideas of Socrates can be applied to current realities.
This research paper is based on the work of Plato called “The Apology of Socrates.” This source contains several speeches of Socrates, which made a splash among the public. However, the controversial essence of the main messages of those times gave prominence to the points of view presented in them. Thus, the philosopher was accused of disrespecting higher powers and gods, corrupting the youth, and introducing new gods, which was provocative for society at that time. The value of this work lies in the fact that it provides a detailed description of the arguments that Socrates provided in defense of his position.
The first point that will be considered in this work is the statement that the philosopher provided at the beginning of his speech. Henceforth, he stated that he “does not pretend to know either much or little” (Plato 3). This emphasis on ignorance causes him to realize the possible ignorance of the speaker. However, at the same time, he emphasizes that he considers it his direct duty to show the same ignorance in the wise men of society. It is worth noting that Socrates’ worldviews and postulates were well-received by the younger generation but rejected by those who adhered to the norms and customs established earlier. This trend can be traced in modern society. Often, innovations and changes that are promoted and forced by younger generations of people are met with negative or resilience on the part of older people. For example, with the introduction and spread of the Internet and social networks, there are older generations who consider them to have a detrimental effect on society, while young people consider them as an opportunity for the development and acquisition of new information. This is due to the fact that individuals are reluctant to accept transformations in established orders, which contributes to the emergence of generational conflict.
Closely related to this aspect is another Socratic statement, which can be applied to modernity. Hence, during his speech, the philosopher says, “I found that the men most in repute were all but the most foolish; and that others less esteemed were really wiser and better” (Plato 5). He compares politicians and a poet whose level of intelligence is very different and claims that he has never met wiser and more skillful masters of every cause yet. Thus, Socrates points out that people in power are not always what they seem to the general public, that they are ignorant and have no desire to care and take into account the opinions of other people. This also applies to modern times because, despite a significant breakthrough in the development of science and culture, it is still possible to meet people in power who do not differ in the necessary level of education. This leads to the emergence of multiple problems in all spheres of people’s lives, both social and political, economic and cultural. Socrates also noted the genius that is characteristic of the poet, which is especially inherent in poets. Despite the fact that they may not know everything about everything, he helps them express their soaps in a unique manner that is close to ordinary people.
When reading Socrates’ speech and his explanations regarding his accusations and innocence in them, one can also isolate a valuable lesson that differences can cause disapproval and censure. Thus, the philosopher was accused of promoting beliefs harmful to young people in new gods and denying those that were revered by older generations. Thus, his desire to question everything around him and to find the truth about the phenomena of life became the cause of distrust and hardening of the feeling in which he lived. This circumstance is also relevant to this day, as there are many examples when something new and unexplored can be negatively welcomed by people. This is due to some fear of updates and a desire to keep everything as it was. However, changes are the engine of progress and are critical for the development of society and the people in it.
Regarding the belief in gods, a parallel can be drawn with the modern world. So, at the moment, it is considered the norm to believe in different gods and accept any religion, regardless of how much they may differ from each other. Modern people have the opportunity to proclaim both Christianity and Buddhism, Judaism, Islam, and many other faiths in God. And this circumstance is often not considered as wrongdoing or a desire to reject the beliefs of others and atheism. Socrates tries to promote the same point of view when addressing his main accuser Meletus. He questions his accusations, focusing on the fact that the concept of gods that he spreads among young people is a protest against existence at that time. He wonders why his views are regarded as atheism if their difference lies not in denial but in the revision of concepts and worldviews regarding deities. Thus, it can be assumed that the philosopher is trying to explain that he is not trying to harm the younger generation. Focusing on the fact that everyone pursues only good intentions in their own unique manner.
One of the most valuable points of view Socrates is to focus the attention of the public in court on the importance of personal development instead of caring about more material things. Thus, the philosopher said, “for I do nothing but go about persuading you all, old and young alike, not to take thought for your persons or your properties, but first and chiefly to care about the greatest improvement of the soul” (Plato 13). These words have a deep meaning that can be transmitted to many generations of people and will be relevant for many more years. The philosopher argues that money is not the most valuable thing in life and that it cannot bring virtue to a person. On the contrary, financial well-being comes from virtue. Thus, individuals should concentrate on self-development and improving their education, constantly questioning their surroundings and the knowledge that is given to them. This will contribute to the continuous process of personal development and improvement and will have a positive impact on society. Moreover, with this aspect, various biases regarding people’s worldviews can also be automatically reduced, and they will be able to reach an understanding that the new is not something oppositional and contradictory.
In conclusion, Socrates’ speech presented by Plato in “The Apology of Socrates” is a valuable source that explains the philosopher’s worldview and point of view. It provides a clear understanding that the postulates proclaimed by Socrates can be applied to modern life and explain many phenomena occurring now. Therefore, the philosopher was accused of proclaiming new gods, denying old ones, and having a detrimental effect on young people. However, with close examination, modern readers can highlight essential aspects for interpretation. Thus, Socrates emphasized the importance and peaceful nature of change and that a person cannot know everything. It follows from this fact that the main task is the constant questioning of knowledge that will contribute to the development of the education of society. Moreover, the philosopher focuses on the fact that money and financial well-being cannot bring people beneficent happiness but are only a consequence of their achievement.
Socrates’ speech during the trial can be effectively applied to the modern state of society. This is due to the fact that with the help of the main points of view of the philosopher, multiple phenomena of modernity can be explained and a new view of things can be introduced. Focusing on the importance of different opinions as a driver of development and the importance of moral and intellectual values have a leading position.