rupt them at all. 3) Infrustration, Meletus accuses Socrates of being "a complete atheist," at thesame time he claims Socrates teaches new gods. Thus, Meletuscontradicts himself. Socrates argues that fear of death is foolish, because it is not known ifdeath is a good or an evil, thus there is no reason to fear death.. Socratesclaims that his mission is in service to God. This is to condemn people’spursuit of money, honor, and reputation, while ignoring wisdom, truth, andthe improvement of the soul. When talking about politicians, he states thathe was a Senator once, and opposed the majority when several generalswere brought to trial. He points out that several of the "corrupted youth"and their fathers were present, but none of them were accusing him;rather, they were there in his defense. Socrates refuses to ask for pity. He does not throw himself on the mercyof the court. Many would bring in their children to win pity. However, hedoes mention that he has three young children. He tells the jury about theirresponsibility to ignore the appeals to pity and judge the truth. Despite Socrates’ speech, the jury finds him guilty as charged. Meletusproposes death as punishment. Instead, Socrates proposes retirement ina home for benefactors of the state. He examines possible penalties:death, imprisonment, a fine, or exile. Then, he realizes that exile is not anoption since he believes that "The unexamined life is not worth living." Hefinally proposes a fine of 30 minae, guaranteed by Crito, Plato, andothers. The jury sentences him to death. Socrates remarks that his internal, guiding voice, which at times wouldwarn him to refrain from certain actions, had not once interrupted hisactions in his defense. He argues that death might be a good: either it is adreamless sleep, or he will travel to the place of the dead where he canquestion anyone and not be executed for it. He states: "No evil canhappen to a good man." He asks the jury t...
