The Theme of Vocation in “Apology” by Plato

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Analysis of the Theme
Conclusion
Work Cited

Introduction

I have selected the theme of vocation in “Apology, The Trial and Death of Socrates” written by Plato for my research. Understanding a true vocation is quite difficult for most people, but they must endeavor to find it, as it will determine their whole lives.

Analysis of the Theme

The theme of vocation is important in “Apology”, as Socrates, whose trial is described, explains that his vocation is to demonstrate ignorant people their ignorance and teach them to be wise. He is certain that he is good at that, as he sees the results of his work in the actions of his apprentices. However, unwise people, as he calls them, accuse him of not believing in God and teaching people the wrong things. He claims that their accusations are false and that they are teaching people the wrong things, but the jury does not believe him and condemn him to death.

At the beginning of the trial, Socrates speaks of the notion of vocation and of people, with whom he communicated, who found it:

“I am ashamed to tell you the truth, gentlemen, but I must. Almost all the bystanders might have explained the poems better than their authors could. I soon realized that poets do not compose their poems with knowledge, but by some inborn talent and by inspiration, like seers and prophets who also say man fine things without any understanding of what they say” (Plato, 22b).

In this passage, Socrates states that people who have found their vocation do not have to be wise or possess special knowledge or skills.

Then, Socrates describes another type of profession, namely the craftsmen and compares them with the poets:

“In this I was not mistaken; they knew things I did not know, and to that extent they were wiser than I. But, gentlemen of the jury, the good craftsmen seemed to me to have the same fault as the poets: each of them, because of his success at his craft, thought himself very wise in other most important pursuits, and this error of theirs overshadowed the wisdom they had, so that I asked myself, on behalf of the oracle, whether I should prefer to be as I am, with neither their wisdom nor their ignorance, or to have both.” (Plato, 22d).

In this passage, Socrates admits that both the poets and the craftsmen have found their vocation and yet are ignorant.

Socrates proceeds by depicting his vocation:

“So even now I continue this investigation as the god bade me – and I go around seeking out anyone, citizen or stranger, whom I think wise. Then if I do not think he is, I come to the assistance of the god and show him that he is not wise. Because of this occupation, I do not have the leisure to engage in public affairs to any extent, nor indeed to look after my own, but I live in great poverty because of my service to the god” (Plato, 23b).

This passage is important to my theme, as it shows that Socrates preferred his true vocation of teaching people and living in poverty to the life in wealth and participation in public affairs.

Further on, Socrates claims that fear of death must not be an obstacle to a person’s vocation:

“It would have been a dreadful way to behave, gentlemen of the jury, if, at Potidaea, Amphipolis and Delium, I had, at the risk of death, like anyone else, remained at my post where those you had elected to command had ordered me, and then, when the god ordered me, as I thought and believed, to live the life of a philosopher, to examine myself and others, I had abandoned my post for fear of death or anything else” (Plato, 28e).

This passage is important for my theme, as it demonstrates how a person’s vocation is more important than mere survival. It also shows that people must remain true to their vocation and live a life worth living.

After the verdict, Socrates says:

“Clearly it should be a penalty I deserve, and what do I deserve to suffer or to pay because I have deliberately not led a quiet life but have neglected what occupies most people: wealth, household affairs, the position of general or public orator or the other offices, the political clubs and factions that exist in the city? I thought myself too honest to survive if I occupied myself with those things. I did not follow that path that would have made me of no use either to you or to myself, but I went to each of you privately and conferred upon him what I say is the greatest benefit, by trying to persuade him not to care for any of his belongings before caring that he himself should be as good and as wise as possible, not to care for the city’s possessions more than for the city itself, and to care for other things in the same way” (Plato, 36b).

In this passage, Socrates again confirms that he refused from all possible professions that could bring him wealth and chose to live a poor life doing what he was born to do.

Conclusion

The analyzed passages are important for the reading material that I have chosen in a way that they explain the reason why Socrates is put on trial and what is the role of his choosing his true vocation in it. The importance of these passages to the theme I have chosen can be explained by the fact that all these passages show how it is important for people to find and choose their true vocation rather than live an unhappy life.

Work Cited

Plato, “Apology,” in The Trial and Death of Socrates, trans., G. M. A. Grube. Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing Company, 2000.

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The Theme of Vocation in “Apology” by Plato

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