Plato's Apology and Socrates' Trial
Plato is famous for his teachings in philosophy, and also the lessons he recorded from Socrates and his teachings. One of the most famous passages about Socrates is the Apology, a statement by Socrates accounted by Plato about Socrates trial. It is necessary to understand the circumstances surrounding the trial, and the reasons why Socrates stated the same to understand the meaning of the statement. For one, the rulers present during the time of Socrates were not happy with him, and his ideologies. They claimed that he was corrupting the youth, did not recognize the gods, and did not recognize their authority as rulers. Socrates is right about his assertions, and people should live examined lives.
Socrates' Last Words
The Apology is the statement Socrates made when he was already convicted but asked to give the last words. Even though the rulers expected that Socrates would apologize for his alleged behavior, Socrates stood his ground and insisted on speaking honestly about his feelings. Socrates was against the ignorance present in the world then and constantly claimed that even he was not a wise person as he did not know everything. He believed in questioning everything, how the world works, the power of the gods, and most of all, how people think, and why they do what they do. His efforts to expose false wisdom brought hate and anger from the rulers of Athens as they believed that he was undermining their power.
Embrace Philosophy for an Examined Life
In this context, it is evident that Socrates did not wish to live a life of bliss, one without worries. He even expressed gratitude that the jury sentenced him to death, as he believed in death he would solve the mystery of what no other man but a dead one knows. He believed in questioning beliefs, values, and principles. The people of Athens had an affliction of following orders without questioning. Living an examined life is not difficult, rather it is living a life that is not a lie. People should embrace philosophy as a way of life because it helps them examine who they are, why things happen, and what they are. He recommends philosophical living because it brings wisdom. Wisdom brings value and purpose to life. Without constant examination, people would forget who they are, and what they stand for in life. Constantly examining one's beliefs and values enable people to make better decisions and to avoid ignorance.
The Argument for an Unexamined Life
Conversely, there are those that would argue that living an unexamined life could be good. Most people conform to the society, and what the society expects. For example, for years people, through inborn ignorance, though women were not good in academics. The value of the female gender was not high, and the society had certain expectations for women. A woman was expected to be a wife, bear children, and remain a housewife. These gender constraints are such things as what Socrates refers to living an unexamined life, where one goes with the flow without minding what they want. It's also similar to the belief that women can not be good leaders, or that men cannot be good cooks. Such notions still exist in societies where enlightenment has not fully been integrated. Even though these beliefs make some people live lives with easy, perhaps avoid confronting leadership or fighting for rights. Still, they are not advantageous.
The Importance of Being True to Oneself
Socrates only meant that people should examine themselves, and realize what they truly desire, even if what one desires is uncommon, for example, same-sex marriages. Instead of committing to stay silent about the issues that Socrates found wrong, he opted to die. He believed in the ability for people to be what they are instead of what the society wants to make them.
Living a Valueless Life
Socrates compared people who live an unexamined life with beasts. He explained that animals eat, work, sleep, reproduce. They do not question their masters, or what nature has in store for them he cautions that people can question. If not, they would be like animals living in the jungle or under a master waiting to be slaughtered without questioning. Socrates also noted that many people would love to live such lives, where they do not worry about anything, follow the rules and live lives. He, however, noted that such lives would be subject to manipulation, injustice and not worth living. Thinking as a philosopher is essential, as many people live lives of animals, not questioning values, not standing for anything just existing like animals. Socrates describes such lives as valueless, and that such lives are prone to danger and harsh consequences.
Living an Examined Life Today
So how can a person live an examined life? For thousands of years, humanity has become a struggle for survival, and not many people have the time to examine their lives. Well, people still show more understanding in this generation, and even though life continues to become more and harder, few have managed to question what life is, and what they believe. Even as the margin between the rich and the poor continues to grow, still it is critical to examine ones believes. Few people live ideal lives, and the majority have to conform to the desires of the few. The people still hold the power of the majority. Even as all people strive to access the elite lifestyle, it is imperative to avoid mere existence, and play a role in changing social values and traditions that do not propagate a beastly existence, such as democracy.
