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 1 st 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