Socrates's goal was not to receive an acquittal, it was to present his principles and die doing what is right. Thus, he may have accomplished his purpose in his mind. As humans, we like what is familiar to us. With new ideas and values, it is thus important to start out with presenting them as renovations of the old and in gradual steps. We like when we can be thought of as merciful. But, socrates, not once begs for mercy. As a legal studies major, this reminds me how important it is to speak in legal languages while in a court of law. Socrates decided to forego the traditional practice of speaking and presenting his case to the jurymen, and this might have been his true downfall, neither the contents of his speech nor his beliefs.
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