In the first pages of Plato's Euthyphro, he introduces Meletus. Meletus does not actually appear in the dialogue, but we can guess that he is important. Plato would not mention him so early, or repeat his name a couple of times, if he were not important. We learn that Meletus is a politician, and in fact Plato tells us, in Socrates description, which electoral district of ancient Athens Meletus is from and represents in Athenian politics. He is from the Pitthean deme, which would be something like a district of Bangkok, such as Bangrak or Pathumwan.
It sounds as though Meletus is also young because Socrates remarks on his young age. Like many modern politicians, Meletus is also very keen to protect the children of Athens from corrupting influences. We can imagine that Meletus would approve of cracking down on Internet cafes, late hours for pubs, short skirted girls and long haired boys, and things like that.
Meletus has decided that Socrates is a serious cause of corrupting the morals of the children and young people of Athens, and so he has bruoght a indictment against Socrates in the law courts of Athens.
Socrates seems a bit relaxed about it all - maybe he doesn't realise his life is at stake?
No comments:
Post a Comment
Before you click the blue "Publish" button for your first comment on a post, check ✔ the "Notify me" box. You want to know when your classmates contribute to a discussion you have joined.
A thoughtful response should normally mean writing for five to ten minutes. After you state your main idea, some details, explanation, examples or other follow up will help your readers.
Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.