Thes Of Society And Its Constant Innovation - 2026 Words

The Gadflies of Society The progress of anything is due to the generation of new ideas pertaining to it and the introduction of new perspectives on that topic. This idea of how progress comes about can be applied to anything, but is most aptly applied to society and its constant innovation. One of the oldest examples of someone questioning the society they live in and forcing it to make significant progress during their lifetime is Socrates. His application of the Socratic Method to the common man and society helped to inspire change throughout Athenian life. Socrates said, â€Å"â€Å"I was attached to this city by the god†¦ as upon a great and noble horse which was somewhat sluggish because of its size and needed to be stirred up by a kind of gadfly† (Plato 33). This comparison very aptly describes his role in Greek society and the influence he had on it. The Apology, by Plato, is Plato’s account of the speeches that Socrates gave at his trial for corrupting the youth and being impious in Athens. Socrates doesn’t apologize for his actions, he only justifies them using the Socratic Method and countering the accusations made against him. He is sentenced to death as his questioning method had made people detest him for proving that their beliefs were inaccurate. He accepts death as his proposed punishment for his death is a small fine. In this speech Socrates states why his critical thinking attitude and examined life are critical for society along with many other great insights. For