In Plato's works Apology and Crito, Socrates attempts to defend himself in court and defend his choice to receive the death penalty when found guilty. Although he makes some very valid and strong arguments, one can only wonder why such a wise person would choose death over life. The following essay will analyze three quotes from the Apologies and Crito, find the correlation between them, and reveal the flaws that may exist in the arguments made by Socrates. In Plato's Apologies, Socrates explains to the jury why he should be found not guilty of his accused crimes. Although none of the accusations have any real basis, Socrates is forced into the courtroom. During his defense, Socrates states: “A man who truly fights for justice must lead a private, not a public, life if he is to survive even for a short time (Cahn, p. 36, Apology 32a1). » Socrates argues that anyone who truly wants to fight for justice must stay away from the public and politics due to their corrupt nature. To support this claim, Socrates gives two examples from his past, one being: "I served as a member of our tribe, and our council was judging the ten generals who had failed to recover the survivors of a naval battle. It was illegal, as you all later admitted. I was the only MP to oppose it and I voted against it. The orators were ready to pursue me and take me away (Cahn p. 37 Apology 32b1-9). Socrates gave readers explicit examples of members of a political committee acting unfairly and attempting to strike down those who do not follow their agenda. Anyone who has ever been part of a social group that makes decisions, whether political or not, has most likely encountered this problem. As recognized by Do...... in the middle of the document ......s to define one's beliefs of a good life and does so convincingly until one realizes that one cannot base an argument solely on opinion. Socrates believes that a good life is a life that follows the laws of the state and a life full of acts of justice. Without a better reason for his arguments and a claim that does not imply an absolute definition of an idiotic life, it is impossible to consider Socrates' arguments as verifiable. Works Cited Cahn, Steven M. Classics of Western Philosophy. Indianapolis, IN: Hackett Pub., 2006. Print.Goldman, Harvey S. "Reexamining the 'Examined Life' in Plato's Apology of Socrates." » EBSCO Publishing Service selection page. 2004. Internet. February 11, 2011. Blyth, Dougal. “Trial of Socrates and Conviction of Jurors in Plato's Apology.” Muse Project. Penn State University Press, November 1, 2000. Web. February 11. 2011.