Socrates And Achilles
Socrates and Achilles: the Martyr Heroes
Madelyn Vogel
ILS 205
By comparing himself to the Greek hero Achilles before the jury in Plato’s Apology, Socrates attempts to portray himself as a hero of equal merit to Achilles and others of similar standing. By selecting the greatest of the Classical Greeks to compare and contrast himself to in his argument, Socrates surreptitiously urges his audience to view him as being of the same caliber as Achilles. This not only authenticates Socrates’ claims, but also exhibits his disconnect from earlier forms of thought. Essentially, Socrates attempts to display himself in the same light as his predecessor Achilles through their shared aspiration to do what they deem to be right in addition to their readiness to die for this honor; however, Socrates also provides contrast between the two in their opposing views of the Underworld.
One comparison that Socrates employs in his argument is how highly both himself and Achilles value individual morals. That is to say, both men are more concerned with their individual sense of morality, honor, and duty to the gods and in life in general rather than with the ideals of the Athenian population. This uncommon view on individual morality consequently led to the deaths of both men. By emphasizing his own and Achilles’ mutual respect and belief for the gods, Socrates places himself and his Greek hero counterpart on a pedestal apart from the general population. This is solidified when Socrates insists, “I do believe that there are gods, and in a far higher sense than that in which any of my accusers believe in them,” (The Apology, 35d). In a society where the gods are both feared and honored above all else, Socrates’ subtle implication that he and Achilles have a deeper relationship with the gods doubles as a reminder that by continuing to persecute Socrates, they will loose a valuable asset to the community as a whole.
However, it later becomes evident that Socrates strays from Achilles’
Madelyn Vogel
ILS 205
By comparing himself to the Greek hero Achilles before the jury in Plato’s Apology, Socrates attempts to portray himself as a hero of equal merit to Achilles and others of similar standing. By selecting the greatest of the Classical Greeks to compare and contrast himself to in his argument, Socrates surreptitiously urges his audience to view him as being of the same caliber as Achilles. This not only authenticates Socrates’ claims, but also exhibits his disconnect from earlier forms of thought. Essentially, Socrates attempts to display himself in the same light as his predecessor Achilles through their shared aspiration to do what they deem to be right in addition to their readiness to die for this honor; however, Socrates also provides contrast between the two in their opposing views of the Underworld.
One comparison that Socrates employs in his argument is how highly both himself and Achilles value individual morals. That is to say, both men are more concerned with their individual sense of morality, honor, and duty to the gods and in life in general rather than with the ideals of the Athenian population. This uncommon view on individual morality consequently led to the deaths of both men. By emphasizing his own and Achilles’ mutual respect and belief for the gods, Socrates places himself and his Greek hero counterpart on a pedestal apart from the general population. This is solidified when Socrates insists, “I do believe that there are gods, and in a far higher sense than that in which any of my accusers believe in them,” (The Apology, 35d). In a society where the gods are both feared and honored above all else, Socrates’ subtle implication that he and Achilles have a deeper relationship with the gods doubles as a reminder that by continuing to persecute Socrates, they will loose a valuable asset to the community as a whole.
However, it later becomes evident that Socrates strays from Achilles’
Cited: Lombardo, Stanley. Homer, The Essential Iliad. Hackett Publishing Company, Inc, 2000. Print. West, Thomas G. and West, Grace Starry. Plato and Aristophanes Four Texts on Socrates. Cornell University Press. 1984, Print.