Socrates is portrayed as a wise, calm, and thought-provoking philosopher in Plato’s Euthyphro, Apology, Crito. There is no doubt that he is strong-willed in his beliefs, and never strayed from them, nor resorted to begging or appealing to the judges’ emotions in order to make his case. Because of this, I think that Socrates is willing to die for his personal and philosophical beliefs and is not “playing the martyr figure”. Throughout the trial, Socrates seems to take up the air as the teacher, as played in Euthyphro as well, and is very upfront about his situation, not exaggerating the circumstances to gain sympathy or admiration. He states the following “What I have told you, Athenians, is the truth: I neither conceal nor do I suppress anything, trivial or important. Yet I know that it is just this outspokenness which rouses indignation. But that is only a proof that my words are true, and that the prejudice against me, and the causes of it, are what I have said.”(pg 29) The assertive demeanour that Socrates demonstrates in his trial is not evidence of someone who is trying to gain the pity of others. He is merely cross-examining the charges laid against him and tries to use the truth, not exaggerations in order to sway the Athenians to his side. Therefore, I do not think Socrates fits this description of a martyr, as he seems to earn their anger and indignation instead of sympathy and admiration, as demonstrated by their shouts, interrupting Socrates whenever he speaks. At times, Socrates even seems to appear boastful, claiming “If you put me to death, you will not easily find another who, if I may use a ludicrous comparison, clings to the state as a sort of gadfly to a horse that is large and well-bred but rather sluggish because of its size, so that it needs to be aroused. It seems to me that the god has attached me like that to the state.....” (pg 37). These do not sound like words of someone who cares if he has offended/insulted his audience. In the end, when Socrates is condemned to death, he accepts the fact, and does not appear to be in distress, but remarks that it could even be a good thing. Socrates does die willingly because the Athenians did not agree with the justifications of his personal and philosophical beliefs put forth. The two concepts are related but I do not think one can be undoubtedly considered a martyr if one is willing to die for his /her personal and philosophical beliefs under this definition, so the two can be separated slightly.
Plato. Euthyphro, Apology, Crito. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 1948. Print.
Great work, Christine! You certainly present a compelling argument, providing adequate textual justification to defend your claims. To improve this response, I would try to incorporate real-world examples to highlight the difference between Socrates and a more superficial type of martyr figure.
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