The trial of Socrates / the apology

Socrates Labours

• He was known for questioning people in the marketplace (agora)

• First appearance in court at 70

• Earlier accusations came from Aristophanes and influence jury 

The oracle at Delphi 

• Socrates then explains the source of the accusations with a story of chaerephon and the oracle that sent him on a divine mission 

• The oracle at Delphi was the high priestess of the temple of Apollo and she was consulted for prophecy and guidance 

• There were multiple number of Delphic maxims inscribed on the temple and Socrats had the first marxism, attributed to Thales - know thyself 

• Chaerephon asked the oracle if anyone was wiser than Socrates and they reply was no one was wiser, this is when Socrates began to seek out someone wiser than himself 

• He went to those known for wisdom, looking for someone wiser but no one held up 

Socrates examination

• Examined politicians, poets and craftsmen in that order

• Politicians - most reputation for wisdom but dont have any wisdom  

• Poets - talent for creation but don't have knowledge for the creation 

• Craftsman - have knowledge about one thing but not wisdom of other things 

• What were they ignorant of?

Socrates defence 

• Throughout his defence, he emphasizes doing the right thing rather than worrying about death 

• He explains his cross examination of fellow Athenians as a result of divine mission 

• As evidence he cites his heroism in battle and his behaviour during the trial of the 10 generals and arrest of Leon 

• Generals - wanted to try them as a body, Socrates voted no 

• Leon - Socrates was to arrest him so Leon could be executed but Socrates went home instead

Results of Socrates service to the god 

• A reputation for wisdom 

• No leisure to engage in politics 

• Poverty 

• Copycats

Refutation of Meletus 

• Accusations were brought against Socrates by Meletus, Anytus and Lycon 

• Corrupting the youth and atheism or Asebeia

• He argues against the corruption of the youth charge that he does so unwillingly and requires instruction rather than punishment 

• Against the charge of atheism, he argues that a belief in spiritual things implies a belief in spirts

Death

• Socrates proposed a counter penalty of free meals at the Prytaneum 

• Meletus proposed death 

• Plato says a fine 

• The vote in 360 to 140 to put him to death 

• 280 vote him guilty 

• He argues death is a blessing, since it it either like annihilation or relocation which are both blessings

Socratic paradoxes 

• wisdom is the what we should value the most

• Knowledge is necessary for moral goodness and virtue

• If virtue is knowledge the role of elenchus becomes clearer 

• People must first recognize their ignorance to then search for knowledge 

• Socratic elenchus aims at refuting others and examining other

Socrates is likened to what mythical hero

Herakles

Which dialogue is plato present

Apology