Written By: Miguel Mendez
Plato’s apology describes the events that occurred as Socrates stood trial and presented a case in his defense. Socrates was being charged with corrupting the youth, as well as not believing in the gods that the city of Athens believed in. At first glance, this work of literature appears to have nothing to do with food, however, there are certain moments that stand out. When discussing what a fitting punishment would be for the crimes he is accused of, Socrates states that he should be provided with meals from the Prytaneum. A place where the champions of Olympia were fed, and he believed to be more deserving of this honor. Not only because he had furthered the growth of Athens, but also because the champions had no need for the food, and he did. The other important instance of food in Plato’s Apology was the act of Socrates’ death. Having been unsuccessful in persuading the jury, Socrates was condemned to death, one in which of his own free will, he must drink poison.
By being the gadfly to the horse, Socrates was able to spur advancement in Athens by not allowing it to become complacent. So for his actions, in his eyes, his punishment/reward should be food. While we may know Socrates as one of the greatest philosophers, he was incredibly poor in his lifetime. Of the three main concepts of food, the convenience aspect was at play here. Having lacked this basic necessity, Socrates attempted to increase its availability. In the act of drinking the poison, Socrates was practicing the identity aspect of food. This method of execution was established by the Athenian people, and even though he stood accused of not believing the same as the people, he drank the poison. In his final act, he embraced the culture that was condemning him to death.
By being the gadfly to the horse, Socrates was able to spur advancement in Athens by not allowing it to become complacent. So for his actions, in his eyes, his punishment/reward should be food. While we may know Socrates as one of the greatest philosophers, he was incredibly poor in his lifetime. Of the three main concepts of food, the convenience aspect was at play here. Having lacked this basic necessity, Socrates attempted to increase its availability. In the act of drinking the poison, Socrates was practicing the identity aspect of food. This method of execution was established by the Athenian people, and even though he stood accused of not believing the same as the people, he drank the poison. In his final act, he embraced the culture that was condemning him to death.