The Irony of Socrates' The Apology

In the tradition of Western literature, few works have been given as much attention, analysis, and longevity of Socrates' "The Apology". One of the main reasons for this, it has been argued throughout the millennia since its writing, is due to the controversial nature of its author. Few would dispute this fact; as a historical figure, philosopher, author and social commentator, Socrates has been given immortality due to his prominence in all of these areas. Beyond this, yet equally important, is a central bit of irony upon which "The Apology" is based. In this paper, quotes from Socrates' work will be presented and commented upon to illustrate the ironic nature of both the work and the man behind it.

Presentation and Discussion of Socrates' Irony

The irony that forms the basis of "The Apology", and indeed set in motion the events leading to Socrates' forced suicide at the hands of the state, is his achievement of ultimate wisdom by realizing that in fact, he knows nothing (Reeve). This irony is shown early in the work when Socrates, discussing a politician who claimed to know everything, said 'Here is a man who is wiser than I am; but you said that I was the wisest.' (Lawall). As Socrates explores the nature of the accusations brought against him, he makes the point that in his search for truth, he finds himself, literally on trial for his life: 'This inquisition has led to my having many enemies of the worst and most dangerous kind' (Lawall).

In a move from the secular to the sacred so to speak, Socrates took on the very nature of religious faith, such as it was in his time when he said: "Can a man believe in spiritual and divine agencies, and not in spirits or demigods? He cannot" and termed the belief system of gods and goddesses as "the facetious riddle invented by you" (the authorities trying Socrates for his life) (Lawall).

As Socrates' "Apology" progresses, the element of irony becomes even more pronounced. Realizing that he is likely to be facing a physical death as a penalty for his offenses to the established order, he makes the assertion that killing him will not solve any worldly problems, nor will it answer the eternal question of good versus evil, nor will it help men to attain the wisdom that they in fact know nothing. In Socrates' own words, these arguments are made as such:

"and this is what will be my destruction if I am destroyed...but the envy and detraction of the world, which has been the death of many good men, and will probably be the death of many more; there is no danger of my being the last of them".

"a man who is good for anything ought not to calculate the chance of living or dying; he ought only to consider whether in doing anything he is doing right or wrong".

"God orders me to fulfill the philosopher's mission of searching into myself and other men"

"whereas I know but little of the world below, I do not suppose that I know"

"I honour and love you; but I shall obey God rather than you"

"This is my teaching, and if this is the doctrine which corrupts the youth, I am a mischievous person. But if any one says that this is not my teaching, he is speaking an untruth".

"Nothing will injure me...for a bad man is not permitted to injure a better than himself".

Summary

Ironically, Socrates' pursuit of the ultimate wisdom, knowing that he in fact knew nothing, led him to question the knowledge of those who had the power to end his life, and in fact did so after a flimsy trial. In closing, what can be taken away from this study of Socrates is perhaps most ironic of all- the fact that by the time most people come to the understanding of the nature of life, that life is over.

Works Cited

Lawall, S. N. The Norton Anthology of Western Literature. 8th ed. New York: WW Norton and Company, 2005.

Reeve, C. D. C. Socrates in the Apology: An Essay on Plato's Apology of Socrates. Indianapolis: Hackett, 1989.