The Apology of Socrates By George Dunn, Lecturer in Philosophy and Ethics, University of Indianapolis; Adjunct Lecturer in Philosophy and Ethics, IUPUI; Revised and put in PP format by Brian McDonald

Introducing George Dunn George as expert in philosophy, ancient and modern George as expert in philosophy, ancient and modern Particular strengths in the philosophy of early and late antiquity Particular strengths in the philosophy of early and late antiquity Thus he is a “natural” to contribute to the selections for this unit: Thus he is a “natural” to contribute to the selections for this unit: The “Apology” of Socrates near the beginning of “antiquity” for which he takes full responsibilityThe “Apology” of Socrates near the beginning of “antiquity” for which he takes full responsibility New Testament Readings which are mostly my work andNew Testament Readings which are mostly my work and The Confessions of Augustine at the close of antiquity and the beginning of the Middle Ages on which he has contributed about two thirds.The Confessions of Augustine at the close of antiquity and the beginning of the Middle Ages on which he has contributed about two thirds. As I will highlight in forum questions, we will see the tensions between “Greek” and “Hebrew” trends of thought: the former represented by Socrates, the latter by the New Testament, with Augustine as a kind of tense synthesis of the two. As I will highlight in forum questions, we will see the tensions between “Greek” and “Hebrew” trends of thought: the former represented by Socrates, the latter by the New Testament, with Augustine as a kind of tense synthesis of the two.

The Apology of Socrates An account written by Socrates’s student Plato An account written by Socrates’s student Plato “Apology” is not ‘I’m sorry’ but Socrates defense before an Athenian Jury on two charges “Apology” is not ‘I’m sorry’ but Socrates defense before an Athenian Jury on two charges Corrupting the youth of AthensCorrupting the youth of Athens ImpietyImpiety

The Athenian Jury Unlike ours was 500 people Unlike ours was 500 people Chosen by lot Chosen by lot Prosecutor not a public official but private citizen(s) bringing charges: In this case the citizens Prosecutor not a public official but private citizen(s) bringing charges: In this case the citizens AntyusAntyus LyconLycon And, most prominently, MeletusAnd, most prominently, Meletus Majority vote will decide both guilt and penalty Majority vote will decide both guilt and penalty

Socrates and His “Judges” Significant that he calls his jury “Athenians” instead of judges. Why? Significant that he calls his jury “Athenians” instead of judges. Why? The answer to this question will shape this lecture The answer to this question will shape this lecture We must first discuss Socrates’ “lecture” on how to give a speech We must first discuss Socrates’ “lecture” on how to give a speech His only eloquence is that he speaks the truthHis only eloquence is that he speaks the truth He says his accusers are eloquent but do not speak the truthHe says his accusers are eloquent but do not speak the truth The virtue of a good speaker is to speak truthfully; the virtue of a judge is to judge justly.The virtue of a good speaker is to speak truthfully; the virtue of a judge is to judge justly. Only the trial’s end will show whether his jury deserves the title of “just” Only the trial’s end will show whether his jury deserves the title of “just”

Athens on Trial His attitude toward “judges” is a clue on reading the entire speech His attitude toward “judges” is a clue on reading the entire speech The defendant Socrates is actually putting Athens on trial! The defendant Socrates is actually putting Athens on trial! Evidence that this is not ordinary defense shown in the way he begins by speaking of “old” charges Evidence that this is not ordinary defense shown in the way he begins by speaking of “old” charges P. 729: “Socrates is an evildoer who searches into things under the earth, and in heaven, and he makes the worse appear the better cause.”P. 729: “Socrates is an evildoer who searches into things under the earth, and in heaven, and he makes the worse appear the better cause.” The meaning of the “old charges”The meaning of the “old charges” The harm they’ve causedThe harm they’ve caused The question they’ve raised: P “But what is the origin of these accusations... there must have been something strange which you were doing?”The question they’ve raised: P “But what is the origin of these accusations... there must have been something strange which you were doing?”

The “Strange” Thing: Socrates’ Quest for Wisdom The Delphic Oracle as Socrates’ “witness” The Delphic Oracle as Socrates’ “witness” Tells Chaerephon, no one is wiser than Socrates Tells Chaerephon, no one is wiser than Socrates Unexpected difficulties arise when Socrates seeks to find a wiser among Unexpected difficulties arise when Socrates seeks to find a wiser among PoliticiansPoliticians PoetsPoets ArtisansArtisans Two Results: Two Results: Positive: the nature of human wisdom: “God only is wise;.... He, O men,is the wisest, who, like Socrates, knows that his wisdom is in truth worth nothing” (732Positive: the nature of human wisdom: “God only is wise;.... He, O men,is the wisest, who, like Socrates, knows that his wisdom is in truth worth nothing” (732 Negative: “those who are examined... Instead of being angry with themselves are angry with me” (732)Negative: “those who are examined... Instead of being angry with themselves are angry with me” (732)

The Cross Examination of Meletus Socrates’ “indictment” of Meletus Socrates’ “indictment” of Meletus A jester pretending to be in earnestA jester pretending to be in earnest Eager to bring men to trialEager to bring men to trial Pretends interest in matters in which he is not truly interested (733)Pretends interest in matters in which he is not truly interested (733) Proof of 3 rd Charge: Proof of 3 rd Charge: Meletus’ ignorance of how youth are ‘improved’ despite feigned interestMeletus’ ignorance of how youth are ‘improved’ despite feigned interest Scapegoating of Socrates rather than interest in “improvement is his motivating forceScapegoating of Socrates rather than interest in “improvement is his motivating force

Pressing the Other Two Charges Proof of 2 nd charge against Meletus Proof of 2 nd charge against Meletus Does any man want to live among bad citizens?Does any man want to live among bad citizens? If I “corrupt’ youth it must thus be unintentional (important Soc. Principle)If I “corrupt’ youth it must thus be unintentional (important Soc. Principle) This is a matter of private warning not public accusation and trial (734)This is a matter of private warning not public accusation and trial (734) Proof of lst charge (“jest”) Proof of lst charge (“jest”) Am I guilty of believing in “new gods”?Am I guilty of believing in “new gods”? Am I guilty atheism?Am I guilty atheism? The fact Meletus accuses of both when both can’t be true shows he treats high matters in “jest.”The fact Meletus accuses of both when both can’t be true shows he treats high matters in “jest.”

End Result Socrates does not refute charges but “presses” charges Socrates does not refute charges but “presses” charges Athens condemns Socrates but history acquits him Athens condemns Socrates but history acquits him Three immortal principles established: Three immortal principles established: Human wisdom is to recognize ignoranceHuman wisdom is to recognize ignorance The only true evil is not to endure injustice but to commit it: It is better to “fulfill the philosopher’s mission of searching” than “to desert my post through fear of death” (737)The only true evil is not to endure injustice but to commit it: It is better to “fulfill the philosopher’s mission of searching” than “to desert my post through fear of death” (737) “The unexamined life is not worth living”“The unexamined life is not worth living”