As I quoted above, in 37c, 37d and 38e, Plato insinuates that Socrates had the option of groveling for his life. He explicitly refuses to do so.
Why would he choose death before groveling? As he states:
> But I thought that I ought not to do anything common or mean in the hour of danger: nor do I now repent of the manner of my defense, and I would rather die having spoken after my manner, than speak in your manner and live. For neither in war nor yet at law ought any man to use every way of escaping death.
Was he overly proud? Did he want to be a martyr? Had he lost faith in humanity? Did he want to challenge to process of law that was practiced in his own time, believing that justice in disputes between independent parties could not be adequately served through a majority vote?
Further, what would you do in that circumstance? Say you had a deeply held belief yet upon expressing it publicly you found yourself thrust in front of the entire city being taken to account with your own life on the line. Would you beg, promise to never mention that belief again in order to save your life? Would you accept exile and seek a life in another city, away from your friends and family, at the mercy of foreigners/strangers who you have no connection to?
Would you have voted for Socrates death? Would you have argued they accepted his proposal for a fine? Would you have attempted to persuade him to beg for the option of exile or clemency for a promise of silence? Would you vote to acquit?
Of all of the principles worth dying for, why did Socrates choose this one? Are there any principles that you hold that you would choose death over silence?
We live in a time where people want to skim Wikipedia for easy answers, like skipping to the back of a text book looking for the answer. Plato is giving questions, not suggesting answers.
Why would he choose death before groveling? As he states:
> But I thought that I ought not to do anything common or mean in the hour of danger: nor do I now repent of the manner of my defense, and I would rather die having spoken after my manner, than speak in your manner and live. For neither in war nor yet at law ought any man to use every way of escaping death.
Was he overly proud? Did he want to be a martyr? Had he lost faith in humanity? Did he want to challenge to process of law that was practiced in his own time, believing that justice in disputes between independent parties could not be adequately served through a majority vote?
Further, what would you do in that circumstance? Say you had a deeply held belief yet upon expressing it publicly you found yourself thrust in front of the entire city being taken to account with your own life on the line. Would you beg, promise to never mention that belief again in order to save your life? Would you accept exile and seek a life in another city, away from your friends and family, at the mercy of foreigners/strangers who you have no connection to?
Would you have voted for Socrates death? Would you have argued they accepted his proposal for a fine? Would you have attempted to persuade him to beg for the option of exile or clemency for a promise of silence? Would you vote to acquit?
Of all of the principles worth dying for, why did Socrates choose this one? Are there any principles that you hold that you would choose death over silence?
We live in a time where people want to skim Wikipedia for easy answers, like skipping to the back of a text book looking for the answer. Plato is giving questions, not suggesting answers.