One of the great disciples of Socrates, in Athens was Plato, he articulates the Athenian jury system and reveals the inadequacy of the arbitration. Whenever in ancient or modern period obedience of authority is a significant substance. While his defense Socrates says that “let the event be as God wills: in obedience to the law I make my defense” (Plato). The great philosopher Socrates, about twenty-four centuries ago recognized the truth that obedience is a major element to express his censure of the wrong jurisdiction and accusers. In his defense, Socrates stated his arguments to prove that he led the Athenian citizens on the way of wisdom, not atheism. Socrates teaches us that obedience is the recognition of the social system without it one can not succeed in his intention. He had the opportunity to save his life but Socrates enquired the answer to his questions. Accusers charged him as an atheist against Athenian gods at the same time; his questions were influential towards the youths. His words and opinions argued that authority continues old believes and those are orthodox.
Another important lesson given by Socrates is that wisdom is not living with philosophers it lies in the experience of human beings. Socrates recognizes that his teachings were an attempt towards an eternal truth so he presents wisdom before the jury and the citizens of Athens. Socrates tells that he speaks the words of paranormal power so he is not able to explain it. Plato reveals in his commentary as Socrates words that, “I am not angry with my accusers, or my condemners; they have done me no harm, although neither of them meant to do me any good; and for this, I may gently blame them” (Plato). He recognized as he is a wise man but inform the presence of the existing truth. The accusers charged Socrates as the teacher of atheism because according to them his words about the strange knowledge. Generally, the words of Socrates could not understand by his contemporary jurists because of his ironical explanations.
Socrates employs psychological approach to the success of his stand and proved it is the better element to criticize accusers. He never was a disobedient before the jury and be familiar with their authority. All the arguments of Socrates are blended with this obedience that discloses his intellectual status. Defense also exploited by the Socrates for the experiment, so that is considered as a different Milgram experiment before the authority. He often obediently addresses as ‘my judges’ for the jury members while his strong argument against the accusers. Thus Apology of Plato is presents a mock-up Milgram experiment through the words of his master. “The physical presence of an authority figure dramatically increased compliance” (Cherry). This level of authority brings the obedience from the part of the accused but Socrates maintains respect towards anything he experienced. Socrates had the knowledge about the value of obedience, wisdom, and truth. For him good concepts are eternal things with no permanent danger. He really believed that his teachings and defense is the mission of the spirit or god. Moreover he wished to become a martyr in order to secure his ideals and believes. Accordingly, after found guilty Socrates had no feelings against accusers and jurists.
References
Cherry, Kendra. The Milgram Obedience Experiment: The Perils of Obedience. About.com: Psychology. 2010. Web.
Plato. Apology: Socrates’ Defense. 2009. Web.