rue of Athenian society, which always placed the government over the people. Therefore, we should be respectful of the government at all times. The Apology is a seemingly misleading title. If your teacher spoke Greek, you too would learn that our word apology is actually derived from the Greek word apologia; meaning in defense of. Therefore, Socrates does not beg for forgiveness, rather justifies his profession. The Apology is his chance to protest against the authorities and make them listen to his side. Piece by piece, he dissects the charges against him. By doing so, he irritates the jurors. This is why the Apology seems to some proof of Socrates disrespect. When the vote came in, Socrates was declared guilty by 280 of the 500 jurors. Socrates is then given the chance to suggest a worthy punishment for himself. Most convicted persons would use this time to plea for their lives and families; Socrates had something else in mind. He says that they should reward him, as they do for the athletes, rather than punish him. The jurors came back and condemn him to death. The jurors were so incensed, even more votes shifted against him this time. Socrates does not break down and plea for his life. He simply thanks the jurors that stood behind him, and asks the others to open their minds more in the future. Socrates tells his audience a life without this sort of examination is not worth living. He knows that he has done nothing wrong, that he lived as justly as possible. He is not afraid of death.In the Crito, Socrates appears to be respectful of the law. Waiting in his cell for his execution, Socrates is napping when his friend Crito comes to visit. Crito has formulated an escape plan for Socrates if he will have it. Crito and the rest of Socrates colleagues are deeply grieved at the thought of loosing him. They believe he was falsely accused (which is true.) If necessary, they will risk their own fortunes and lives to free him. Socrates ...
