ENGL 298 B: Intermediate Writing Social Sciences   Autumn 2011, University of Washington

Nicole Hobble

October 18, 2011

Rough Draft

 

 

In an unusual instance, while walking home from the market, Plato was kindly minding his business up until the moment that Goldman abruptly ran into him. She urged him to talk to her as if it was life or death. As the two walked silently, Plato contemplated the outcome of what Goldman might have to say to him. Plato had no idea what was to become of him, but before he could change his mind, they approached his home where, even Goldman, would not know what was to come.

Both Plato and Goldman slowly sat down. It wasn’t long, before he quickly realized her intent and rudely asked why she was there.

Plato: (In a condescending tone) Might I ask why you brought me here?

Goldman: Don’t expect me to be coy with you. I am no stranger to your work and philosophy.

Plato: I’m not exactly positive as to why you have interrupted my life for something you have to say.

Goldman: If you must put it that way, I’m here to refute your work regarding the trial of Socrates.

Plato: And what concern would you have with this subject?

Goldman: I have no been able to put my finger on it, but I still cannot seem to find a logical explanation as to why such a powerfully involved philosopher would agree to submit himself to such a thing that would initially take his life away.

Plato: Socrates was a strong man who had beliefs that he would stand by.

Goldman: His beliefs brought him to death. I’m not saying that one should not have their beliefs, but what I am saying is that those beliefs might never have been his.

Plato: What exactly are you implying? He was a man who obligated himself to the gods.

Goldman: Why would he submit himself to something that required him to give up his life?

Plato: Why should he give up something he lives for? He has the desire to pursue and seek out the just and unjust. Do you not believe in the pursuit of any and all desires that any person may have?

Goldman: I believe in a society is as free as possible, where like you said is a place where any person can pursue any desire they may have. But, Religion allows people to forget the important state of nature.

Plato: What part of the state of nature do you speak of?

Goldman: I speak of the part of state of nature that gives all people the instinct to mutually help others. I in vision a society where people may protect one another and be able to help one another.

Plato: And so to you, Religion is something that should not exist because of the affect it has on the people. I guess, I just do not understand the extent of your beliefs.

Goldman: Let me tell you… The act of being obligated to any thing, whether it be religion, government, or anything else requires one to give up personal rights in my opinion.

Plato: Even in a free society, people would still choose to obligate themselves, because when you live in a society with a government you’re still able to pursue desires you may have. The idea of giving yourself up to something you desire seems to be logical.

Goldman: My position as a free person gives me the will and right to resist a society where I would be obligated to submit myself.

Plato: But, would you submit yourself to something that you’re passionate about and desire? Is that not what a free society is; a place where you’re able to pursue all desires. You say that a person should have the right to choose and not be influenced by anything that is so tyrannical.

Plato: Socrates was a willing man, who believed that if he did not obey the gods, he was doing wrong. By his own free will, he chose to die because of his beliefs. By his own philosophy he believed that when he submitted himself he owed it to the gods to be executed. As twisted as that may sound, by dying he saved the people of Athens and with that sacrifice he completed his duties. How can you ask a man who has spent so many years serving his gods to give that up?

Goldman: When I said earlier that his beliefs might not have been his, I meant if he had not been born into a society as such, he might not have even pursued those same desires in his lifetime. Instead he chose to follow that path.  It is not wrong to follow your desires, but it’s wrong for one to be subjected to a society that may potentially rob you of a lifetime of freedom.

As Plato contemplate Goldman’s last thought, he refused to respond and told her to leave immediately. With that abrupt ending to their conversation, he wasn’t quite sure what to think of the situation. As confusing as this all may sound, each had their own beliefs, and both parted with the same ones as they did when they met that one day on the streets.