The apology

Reaction to The Apology ' by Plato The Apology ' by Plato has a significant and direct bearing on modern Western Civilization because it places virtue and honor on a pedestal and urges men to live righteously and be willing to die for the sake of righteousness if necessary . Successful western countries like the United States are not perfect , but history will show that we have acted honorably and wisely in most cases and that we have attempted to help ourselves and our allies in times of crisis and need

Like the accused , Socrates

, derision will not cause the strong and righteous to waver from their benevolent and just principles . Socrates stood firm and brave despite accusations and persuasive words (that almost made me forget who I was ' In the face of stifling criticism he relied on the force of truth ' and declared to his accusers and peers that they shall hear from me the whole truth ' and to let the judge decide justly and the speaker speak truly ' Even though he knew that the injustice of his flawed trial would likely lead to his prompt death , Socrates did not waver or shrink from his honor or his principles

Our modern justice system that relies on a presumption of innocence and the right of the accused to directly face his accusers is dealt with in The Apology ' Slander and libel are now serious crimes and hearsay evidence is disallowed in modern western courts . Unlike Socrates accusers who were short on evidence but...