"2. Do you think Socrates is a man who is willing to die for his personal and philosophical beliefs, or do you consider him a martyr?"
I most certainly think Socrates is a man willing to die for his beliefs. I also believe that he has characteristics of a martyr as well. After reading the passage, my head was definitely throbbing. Although it was a difficult passage to read, I do remember Socrates giving me an impression of being a brave man, willing to die. He was a man who wouldn’t change his beliefs in exchange for freedom.
Socrates clearly states he is willing to die for his beliefs. If the jury told him that he would go in peace, as long as he stops preaching, Socrates said he would decline the proposal. “As long as I have breath and strength I will not give up philosophy and exhorting you and declaring the truth to every one of you…” (Apology 29 d) Socrates would rather die than change his beliefs. This is because he chooses to serve God, rather than serving the jury. This to me, is a strong characteristic that all martyr’s share as well. When faced with death, a martyr would choose to follow God’s command, rather than anyone else’s command.
On the other hand, some may say that Socrates is not willing to die because he does not bring his argument into assemblies or to the state. Instead he only works and preaches privately to people. In my opinion, Socrates does this because he’s sensible. Of course he wouldn’t go preaching towards the assembly or state! He knows he would surely be trialed and be put to death immediately. To compare to modern day society, would it seem sensible for a person who loves the Boston Bruins to go preaching about their team in a Vancouver Canuck pub? (I would assume that the fan would face some form of abuse.) Although this is a bit of a stretch for comparisons, you get my point right? It doesn’t make the Boston fan a coward for not doing so. The bruin fan is just sensible, and doesn’t want to die on the spot... Likewise, it does not mean Socrates isn’t willing to die for his beliefs. It just means he’s sensible, and not suicidal.
When I think of a martyr, I think of a brave person who dies for their beliefs. Socrates is exactly that. He chose not to bring his family to help his plea because he was brave. Socrates did not want to appeal to the jury emotionally by bringing in his three kids. Instead he wanted to stand alone, and be judged by his own actions and words. He didn’t want to hide behind his family. (Apology 33 d-e) To me, this is bravery. Socrates would rather face death than appeal emotionally to the jury. If he was judged to be a person corrupting the “young minds,” Socrates was willing to accept his punishments.
After Socrates had been condemned to death, he still remained firm with his beliefs. If he had the choice, he wouldn’t have defended himself in any other way to escape death. “I would very much rather defend myself as I did, and die, than as you would have had me do, and live.” (Apology 38 e) This clearly illustrates how Socrates was a man willing to die for his beliefs. He didn’t weep or beg for mercy from the jury after they sentenced him. Instead, he accepted his fate bravely.
To me, Socrates is a man willing to die for God. He felt that it was God’s wish for him to discover who was wise and who was not. This would make him a martyr. Although he was accused for corrupting the young minds, Socrates accepted the charges. He did not fear his punishment. He did not change his beliefs when facing death. Instead, Socrates stood up for his beliefs in the face of the jury, and ultimately accepted his death sentence bravely.
Excellent work, Paul! You make a compelling argument, demonstrating both the similarities and the differences between Socrates and a more superficial brand of martyr. You're correct to point out that, in many ways, he is a martyr. But, as you show, he acts for the right reasons - not just to be seen by others. Also, you achieve a good balance between textual evidence and your own reasoning.
ReplyDeleteI would rather die having spoken in my manner, than speak in your manner and live. For neither in war nor yet in law ought any man use every way of escaping death. For often in battle there is no doubt that if a man will throw away his arms, and fall on his knees before his pursuers, he may escape death, if a man is willing to say or do anything. The difficulty, my friends, is not in avoiding death, but in avoiding unrighteousness; for that runs deeper than death.
ReplyDelete-Socrates before the Athenian death panel and thought enforcement assembly
Some people are easily pressured to obey. Look at our current cannonfodder cum Americans. Other people are not so easily made to Obey, whether it is the Tyrant God Hussein O himself or any of his federal Regime minions.