Apology

Erik Rankin – POL 161 Fall 07

Apology

• Discussion of the word “apology” (apologia) as used in ancient Greece

• Socrates has 3 charges made against him, what are those 3 charges?

• This is the easiest of all Plato’s writings to follow due to its plain conversational manner

• What is his experience with the court of law?

• How old is Socrates at this point?

Apology• Socrates says that his accusers remain

anonymous to him but he outlines their charges nonetheless

1. He does not believe in the gods (he only supposedly teaches the physical nature of life as compared to the metaphysical)

2. He teaches how to make the lesser argument overcome the more powerful one

• Socrates would like to cross examine his accusers, who he does not know

• He does make assumptions about one, who is that person?

Apology• 1st Defense “inquires into things below

the earth and sky”– He says that he has no knowledge of doing

this– Refers to Aristophanes play (The Clouds)

which shows him as a rambling bumpkin talking about divinity

– He knows nothing of these matters and does not pretend to

– Distances himself from the Sophists– Who are the Sophists?– Does Socrates like them?

Apology• Where does Socrates say that he

received is inquisitive nature?• What does Socrates say he knows?• What is his supposed duty?• This duty earns him love from one group

and hatred amongst others, who?• Who is responsible for his trial then?• Socrates moves to his interrogation of

Meletus• Who is Meletus?

Apology• Only example of elenchus in the Apology• What does elenchus mean?• Does Socrates seem to want truth from

Meletus?• What is his real aim?• Meletus says that Socrates does not

believe in any gods at all, how does Socrates refute this?

• Was Meletus correct in his accusation?

Apology• Socrates makes an argument about

putting an innocent man to death- he contends that it is far worse than dying oneself, why?

• Who is really in danger then?• What does Socrates think he does for

Athens?• The gadfly passage• The jury then goes into deliberation, what

is their overall decision?

Apology• What does Socrates suggest for his

penalty?• He is given a choice of prison or exile and

he chooses to pay a fine (smart ass, huh?)

• The jury rejects and sentences him to death

• Does Socrates fear death?• Why or Why not?• How will he be put to death?• His warning to the jurymen