Study Questions for Plato, Apology

 

The page numbers (like: ‘p.20’) refer to the pages of the Princeton Readings in Political Thought.  Numbers with letters (like: ‘32a’) refer to the pages of the standard Greek text (the letters to parts of those pages), and are included in most translations. I have provided them just in case you are using a different translation or edition. 

 

Although this text is traditionally titled “The Apology,” it is not an apology in the modern sense.  It is Plato’s literary representation of the speeches Socrates made at his trial.  “Socrates’ Defense” is less misleading.  But it is not a transcript of his actual remarks.  It was written by Plato, Socrates’ most famous student.  Scholars believe, however, that it was written and published shortly after the actual events and is probably reasonably faithful in its representation of Socrates’ tone and arguments.

 

Socrates would have been tried before a large group (501 men), which would function both as a jury to determine guilt or innocence and as a judge to assign a penalty.  Once a defendant was found guilty, the prosecutor and the defendant would each propose a penalty, and the jury would vote to select one of them.  (This generally encouraged both sides to be moderate in their proposals.)  The text is in three parts (though the divisions are not marked in the Princeton Readings, nor in the Greek original). The largest part (pp. 19-35; 17a-35d) is Socrates defense.  The jury then finds him guilty, and Meletus proposes a penalty of death.  Socrates counter-proposal begins with the first paragraph starting on p. 35 (“There are a great many reasons …”) and runs to the top of p. 37 (35d-38d).  The third part begins at the top of p. 39 (“Well, gentlemen, for the sake of ...”) and represents Socrates’ parting speech to the jury after he has been condemned to death.

 

Note: These questions are provided as a guide for your reading and reflecting.  I do not expect you to write out and hand in answers to them.

  1. In his defense, Socrates first responds to earlier, longstanding informal charges against him. What are these charges? (p.21; 19b and 19e)
  2. What do you think is meant by “he … makes the weaker argument defeat the stronger”?
  3. What is the point, at the bottom of p. 21 (20b), of comparing Callias' sons to colts or calves?
  4. What sort of knowledge is Socrates talking about when he says, at the top of p. 22 (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? (pp.22-24)  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? (pp.23-24; 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? (Middle of p.25; 24b)
  8. What is the point of talking about horses at 25b (middle of page 26)?
  9. What is Socrates' argument (pp.26-27; 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 (p.28 to the top of p.29; 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? (p.29-30; 28b ff.)
  12. What more general fault does fear of death fall under according to Socrates?
  13. What is Socrates' argument (bottom of p.29 to top of p.30; 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 stops 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? (p.31; 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 the top of p.32: "The true champion of justice, if he intends to survive even for a short time, must necessarily confine himself to private life and leave politics alone."  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. Near the top of p.33 (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? (p.33-34; 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? (p.34-35; 34d-35d)
  20. On p.36  (38a), we get Socrates’ most famous statement: 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. On pp.38-39 (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.