The ApologyThe Apology

Socrates and the Defense of the Philosophical Life

Discussion QuestionsDiscussion Questions

What traits would you use to describe Socrates’ character?

What does it mean to be virtuous?

What do you think about death? How does the topic affect you?

What doyou think?

399 BCSocrates is 71404 BC, Athens defeatedThe Thirty rules for nine monthsAmnesty granted

Historical BackgroundHistorical Background

Did Socrates want to die?Did Socrates want to die?

Did he intentionally provoke the jury? Philosophical questioning of Meletus Suggests a ridiculous counter-penalty Calls himself a “gift from the gods” Begging for forgiveness is unbecoming

Did he offer a genuine defense of his life?

First Group of AccusersFirst Group of Accusers

The first group did not actually accuse Socrates.

Socrates’ Reputation “Studies things in the sky

and below the earth.” “Makes the worse

argument the stronger.” “Teaches these things to

other people.”

The Oracle at DelphiThe Oracle at Delphi

Chairephon questions the oracle

“No one is wiser than Socrates.”

Socrates wonders, “Whatever does the god mean? What is his riddle?”

Human wisdom

Second Group of AccusersSecond Group of Accusers

This group claims that Socrates: Corrupts the youth Does not believe in the gods of the city Believes in new spiritual things

Socrates defends himself against these charges by questioning Meletus.

What arguments does Socrates present?

Defense of His ReputationDefense of His Reputation

“I do not think that it requires a prolonged defence to prove I am not guilty of the charges . . . On the other hand, I am very unpopular with many people. This will be my undoing, if I am undone, not Meletus or Anytus but the slander and envy of many people.”

Defense of PhilosophyDefense of Philosophy

It would be wrong to leave one’s post for fear of danger.

Son of Thetis avenged the death of his friends, although such action might be deadly.

The god has ordered Socrates to philosophize.

Not to do so for fear of death would be wrong.

Fear of DeathFear of Death

“To fear death, gentlemen, is no other than to think oneself wise when one is not, to think one knows what one does not know. No one knows whether death may not be the greatest of all blessings for a man, yet men fear it as if they knew that it is the greatest of evils. And surely it is the most blameworthy ignorance to believe that one knows what one does not know.”

Defense of PhilosophyDefense of Philosophy

“I do know that it is wicked and shameful to do wrong, to disobey one’s superior, be he god or man.”

If Socrates were offered an acquittal to stop his practice of philosophy, he would not accept.

“I am grateful and I am your friend, but I will obey the god rather than you, and as long as I am able, I shall not cease to practice philosophy . . .”

No Harm to a Good PersonNo Harm to a Good Person Socrates warns the jury: they might be

harming themselves more than him. “For I do not think it is permitted that a

better man be harmed by a worse; certainly he might kill me, or perhaps banish or disfranchise me, which he and maybe others think to be a great harm, but I do not think so.”

“I think he is doing himself much greater harm . . . attempting to have a man executed unjustly.”

A Gadfly to AthensA Gadfly to Athens

“I was attached to this city by the god” as “upon a great and noble horse which was somewhat sluggish because of its size and needed to be stirred up by a kind of gadfly. It is to fulfill such a function that I believe the god has placed me in the city. I never cease to rouse each and every one of you all day long.”

Private and Public AffairsPrivate and Public Affairs

If Socrates is concerned for his fellow citizens, why did he not lead a public life in politics?

A “man who really fights for justice must lead a private life, not a public life.”

Is this true?

Socrates and PoliticsSocrates and Politics

As a member of the Council, Socrates claimed it was unjust and illegal to try as a body the ten generals who failed to pick up survivors in a naval battle. He was the only member to oppose the action.

When the Thirty ordered him to bring Leon from Salamis for execution, which was unjust. Socrates ignored the order.

The Defense RestsThe Defense Rests

In a final effort to defend himself against the charge of corrupting the youth, Socrates requests that the corrupted youth, or relatives, step forward.

Counter-PenaltyCounter-Penalty

“What is suitable for a poor benefactor who needs leisure to exhort you? Nothing is more suitable than for such a man to be fed in the Prytaneum.”

At the prodding of friends, Socrates suggests 30 minae.

Socrates’ Closing SpeechSocrates’ Closing Speech

Socrates’ prophesy Divine sign did not

intervene Death is either a

dreamless sleep or relocation

“A good man cannot be harmed in life or in death.”

Discussion QuestionsDiscussion Questions

If Socrates sought advice for his defense, what would you have suggested?

Was Socrates really guilty of the charges?

Is Socrates’ view of death, in the Apology, consistent?