Study Questions

Plato, "The Apology"

in Education: Power and Choices, pp. 30-52.

Socrates has been brought before the jury in Athens to defend himself against (obviously false) charges brought by three men named Meletus, Anytus, and Lycon. Plato was a student of Socrates, and was present at the trial. This reading gives Plato's account of what Socrates said.

The Defense

Socrates answers the "earliest charges" against him: longstanding rumors about his character and what he does.

Socrates's account of the false impressions people have about him.

Question: What are the charges?

Socrates's account of the true nature of what he has done throughout his life, and why. Discussion of genuine divine wisdom.

Socrates claims only to have limited human wisdom.

Question: What are the two types of wisdom?

The oracle and the reason for Socrates's quest.

The reasons his quest has aroused such hostility against him.

Question: What are the two reasons for this hostility that he identifies?

Socrates answers the "recent charges" brought by Meletus and others.

Question: What are the charges?

Socrates cross-examines Meletus to expose the absurdity of the charges. [This is an example of the elenchus, the method he used in questioning people about their wisdom.] Mel. is incompetent to make the charges, and is self-contradictory under questioning. Socrates says the real danger to him, and the source of the charges, arises from the widespread rumors about him.

Socrates explains why he chose to follow a way of life that was likely to give rise to such impressions, and lead to his trial and death.

Question: What does Socrates say is so much more important to him than escaping death, and why does he not fear death?

Socrates rejects the plea-bargain option: acquittal on condition of giving up his quest. Claims his activities are important to the city.

Question: How is he like a "stinging fly," and why is this role important to the city?

Soc explains why he carried out his quest of doing good for the city in private, rather than in public.

Question: Why didn't Socrates do his work for the city in a public capacity, as a politician or other official?

The Sentencing

Socrates has been found guilty; the death penalty proposed. Socrates is to suggest an alternative sentence.

Socrates proposes that he be rewarded rather than punished.

Question: Why does he say he should be rewarded?

Considers the possibility of banishment from Athens.

Could he take up his customary life in another city, or...
Simply mind his own business.

Proposes a thirty minae fine (maybe a dollar to us).

Last Response

Socrates has been condemned to death. These are Socrates's last public words to the people of Athens.

Explains why he did not play on the emotions and pity of the jury.

Question: What reasons does he give? What is more important and more difficult, according to Socrates, than to escape death?

Remarks to those who voted for execution. Remarks to those who voted for acquittal.

Question: Why does Socrates suspect his death will be a blessing?