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  • The Horse Analogy

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    Breanna Ross
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    Socrates uses the "Horse analogy" to defend himself against Meletus's claim that he is an "atheist" who corrupts the youth. In the analogy, Socrates argues that in life, as with horses, people can be treated both well and harshly by others. However, Meletus claims that all people only elevate each other, and Socrates alone corrupts. Socrates counters that if this were true, it would paint an unrealistic utopian view of mankind. He also questions the role and power of the gods if they are flawed in the way Meletus's view suggests. In the end, Socrates argues that Meletus's attack on

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    Socrates uses the "Horse analogy" to defend himself against Meletus's claim that he is an "atheist" who corrupts the youth. In the analogy, Socrates argues that in life, as with horses, people can be treated both well and harshly by others. However, Meletus claims that all people only elevate each other, and Socrates alone corrupts. Socrates counters that if this were true, it would paint an unrealistic utopian view of mankind. He also questions the role and power of the gods if they are flawed in the way Meletus's view suggests. In the end, Socrates argues that Meletus's attack on

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    4K views1 page

    The Horse Analogy

    Uploaded by

    Breanna Ross
    Socrates uses the "Horse analogy" to defend himself against Meletus's claim that he is an "atheist" who corrupts the youth. In the analogy, Socrates argues that in life, as with horses, people can be treated both well and harshly by others. However, Meletus claims that all people only elevate each other, and Socrates alone corrupts. Socrates counters that if this were true, it would paint an unrealistic utopian view of mankind. He also questions the role and power of the gods if they are flawed in the way Meletus's view suggests. In the end, Socrates argues that Meletus's attack on

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    Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
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    Breanna Ross Dr.

    Westmoreland Philosophy Section 062C 12 September 2011 Criticism to Horse Analogy

    The Horse analogy, an excerpt from Platos Apology is a defense or justification of Socratess view on Meletuss attack on him as an atheist. While teaching the youth Meletus believes that Socrates exemplifies a negative contributor to their minds. This meaning that his teachings consist of there being no Gods which goes against the teachings of the government and/or state. In confronting Meletus, Socrates argues that like horses, men are treated well by a few good men and treated harshly by others which are common characteristics of life. Whereas, in Meletus conviction all men elevate one another and that Socrates is the only corruptor. Socrates stated Happy indeed would be the condition of youth if they had one corrupter only, and the rest of the world their improvers. The statement shows good and bad factors to life. The one good being, that this view paints a positive picture of man. Whereas the bad being a negative view of the gods who bicker, betray and kill. Furthermore, this belief that Meletus supports leaves no room for the gods and which Socrates denotes. If the Gods are being more flawed than man than why serve them? Arent they supposed to be greater, wiser, and omnipotent to man? Meletus attack on Socrates only makes his conviction a failure and Socrates the wiser. In the horse analogy Meletuss claim was not supported by real life events. In one way Meletus is punishing Socrates for his alleged teachings rather than elevating him which goes against what Meletus ratifies. Also, the ideal life he envisions is Utopia and no other because if such times exist what would be the need of the court, for every man improves one another rather than destroys them. Meletus claim again brings into question the Gods who are blemished.

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