Euthyphro, Apology, Crito, Meno and Phaedo Symbols, Allegory and Motifs

Euthyphro, Apology, Crito, Meno and Phaedo Symbols, Allegory and Motifs

Socrates’ accusers

Socrates' accusers represent self-interest at the expense of justice. The accusers include Lycon, Anytus, and Meletus. According to Socrates, the three accusers have a vested interest, and their primary goal is to put him behind bars so that they can continue with their evil deeds in society. In this case, Socrates is accused of Impiety and corruption charges, but all these three accusers cannot prevent reliable evidence for his conviction. Instead, the accusers use their influence and power to brainwash the already corrupted jury of 500 Athenians to jail Socrates.

God (Symbol of Authority)

Socrates argues that his philosophy is to serve God but not to satisfy human beings. For instance, Socrates defends himself against the case before him that his comic play aims to serve God but not corrupt the Athenian youths. According to Socrates, God is the ultimate power, and one can compete with Him. Therefore, Socrates uses God symbolically to imply that his philosophical work is for the mighty king of heaven.

The politician

The author uses the politician in the text to represent pretense and mediocrity. Socrates developed an interest in interacting with the politician who was regarded by the entire society as wise. After the interaction, Socrates realized that the politician is a hypocrite, and he confuses the masses to believe that he is wise to win their votes. Realistically, the politician paints a true picture of the entire political system. Politicians know how to make people believe that they are their demigods and wisest creatures on earth, far away from reality.

Socrates (A motif of acceptance)

According to the author, morality is linked to a true representation of oneself. For instance, when the prophetess of Delphi told Socrates that he is the wisest man on earth, he doubted himself because he knew that there are other men out there who could be wiser than him. It is interesting to note that Socrates admits that he is ignorant because he does not know everything. However, the politicians, artisans, poets, and other people interrogated by Socrates refused to accept their arrogance and pretended to be all-knowing. Consequently, Socrates concluded that the prophetess of Delphi was right because he is the only person who is wise and ready to accept his limitations.

Meletus (A symbol of ignorance)

Meletus is the key accuser of Socrates on the accounts of corruption and Impiety. However, the reader realizes that Meletus is ignorant because he cannot differentiate between good and evil, which is a key factor in convicting Socrates. Socrates takes Mellitus into the task of defining and distinguish atheism, but he fails miserably.

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