Philosophical Essay: Socrates' Conviction

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Course: PHIL101
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Socrates' Conviction
Socrates aimed to foster the realization of reforms that come from the illogical laws of the society. Socrates based his teachings on the bettering of the soul and the cleansing of one's integrity. With the court basing its judgment of the popularity of residents' jurypersons, it sentenced Socrates to death. This paper discusses Socrates's view on popular opinion, his acceptance of his conviction, and his decision not to escape prison.
Socrates was convicted for disregarding the gods or deities recommended by Athens to its subjects. The philosopher's condemned activities involved attempts to convey his thoughts that did not glorify Athenian gods and his commitment to open avenues for alternative thought that did not reinforce the structures that were already in place. The death sentence's basis was on the jury's opinions and the overly negative perspective against Socrates' teachings. The reigning structures in Athens felt threatened by divergent thought that failed to make explicit and consistent recognition of the belief system, which also supported the power alignment between the elite and Athenian subjects that toiled to sustain their government. Socrates stuck to his view of justice and perspective on the nature of moral wrong and crime. Popular opinion dictated his fate as judges were extraneous in expressing their religious and political sentiments as legal input to the court process
Socrates View on Popular Opinion
According to Socrates, it is not mandatory for someone to adhere to a popular opinion regarding moral issues as long as his/her philosophy regarding life follows God's teachings (Corlett, p.138). Socrates emphasizes that the fairness of the ethical problems is not subject to the matter of popularity. According to Colaiaco, Socrates articulated his readiness to oppose the Athenian law rather than challenge his consciousness concerning God's law (Setayesh et al., 4). Furthermore, Socrates was aware that though popular opinion might have its way, it does not imply that it is always correct. The philosopher was ready to explore the basis of a moral or criminal conviction by the court. He continued his pursuits even in the death sentence and to his death. According to Socrates, popular opinion was not a basis for moral uprightness because the underlying cause or driver for popularity does not mirror that of the moral law. A popular opinion may arise out of primordial desires and needs that do not have any particular relation to the human and the ends that are to be met.
Popular opinion does not define belief in God or the dedication to spiritual enlightenment. Socrates argues that one's opinion would only count as much as we selected to make the person significant and powerful in the environment where he emerges. Therefore, Socrates demonstrates an initial assessment or basis for his view on an opinion by referring to popular works and figures. The popularity of any figure or idea did not guarantee their worth because may some kind of motive drives people to make statements. We should separate the subject from their opinion, assessing the opinion's strength based on the issuer's profiles and reputation and their need to engage with our persp...