Study Questions for Plato, Apology

Numbers like ‘32a’ refer to the numbers in the margins of the text. These refer to pages of the standard Greek text (and the letters to parts of those pages), and can be used with any translation.

  1. In his defense, Socrates first responds to earlier, longstanding informal charges against him. What are these charges? (19b and 19e)
  2. What do you think is meant by “he makes the worse into the stronger argument”?
  3. What is the point, at 20b, of comparing Callias' sons to colts or calves?
  4. What sort of knowledge is Socrates talking about when he says, at 20c, that he would be proud if he had this knowledge, but he does not have it?
  5. How does Socrates interpret the pronouncement of the Oracle of Delphi that no one is wiser than he? (21-23)  Do you think that the sort of wisdom he claims to possess is really wisdom?
  6. What is the mistake that both the poets and the craftsmen make? (22c-e)  Do you think that people in our own time, who are successful in one way or another, might make the same mistake?
  7. What are the new charges brought by Meletus and his associates? (24b)
  8. What is the point of talking about horses at 25b?
  9. What is Socrates' argument (25c-26a) for the claim that it is impossible that he corrupts the young willingly?  Is his argument convincing?  Why or why not?
  10. What is Socrates argument (27b-e) against the charge that he does not believe in gods?  Is this argument convincing?
  11. Why is Socrates not ashamed to be doing something dangerous?  What, by the way, is the dangerous thing he is doing? (28b ff.)
  12. What more general fault does fear of death fall under according to Socrates?
  13. What is Socrates' argument (29a-b) that one should not be afraid of death?  Is his argument a good one?  Why or why not?
  14. Why won't Socrates accept acquittal on the condition that he stop practicing  philosophy?
  15. Socrates claims that by convicting and executing him, the city will harm itself and that Socrates will be unharmed.  What are Socrates' reasons for this claim? (30c-31c) Do you think this is a wise thing for Socrates to say at his own trial?  If not, think of how Socrates would reply to you.
  16. At 32a: "A man who really fights for justice must lead a private, not a public, life if he is to survive for even a short time."  Do you agree with Socrates here?  Is this true in some sorts of societies in particular?  Is it true in the USA today?  (Maybe read "survive" in not so literal a fashion.)
  17. At 33b Socrates says that he cannot be held responsible for the conduct of those who have talked with him or heard him speak. Why not?  Do you agree?
  18. How does Socrates use the fact that none of the older relatives of the young men who have been influenced by him are willing to testify against him to argue for his innocence? (33d-34b)
  19. According to Socrates, how would engaging in an emotional appeal for mercy convict him of the very impiety he is charged with? (34d-35d)
  20. At 38a, we get Socrates most famous quote: the unexamined life is not worth living.  What does this mean?  Do you agree?  Why or why not?  Do you live an unexamined life?
  21. At 40c-41c, Socrates gives an argument that death may be a good thing.  Reconstruct this argument.  Is he right?  Why or why not?
  22. Socrates prefers death to acting unjustly.  Is this a standard we should hold ourselves to?  Why or why not?
  23. Do you think Socrates has successfully answered his accusers?  Explain.
  24. Would you vote to convict Socrates and sentence him to death?  Why or why not?
  25. Do you think Socrates committed a form of suicide by behaving in the way he did in the trial?  Explain.