Apology - PHIL 1502

What is the main claim of Plato's Apology?

It claims to be a record of the actual speech Socrates delivered in his own defense at his trial.

How does Plato attempt to establish the historicity of the Apology?

He notes that he was present at the trial and that it was written shortly after the events.

What are the three parts of the Apology?

The major speech (17a–35d), the counter-assessment (35e–38b), and the final words to the jury (38c–42a).

What does Socrates imply about the nature of the accusations against him?

He states that he fears earlier, longstanding accusations more than those from Meletus and others due to their baseless nature.

What does Socrates acknowledge about his speaking style at the trial?

He asks the jury not to judge his manner of speech but to focus on whether what he says is just or not.

What does Socrates say about human wisdom versus other kinds of wisdom?

He claims that he possesses human wisdom, which consists in understanding the limits of one's knowledge.

What oracle does Socrates reference, and what was its message?

He references the oracle at Delphi which proclaimed that no one was wiser than Socrates.

What conclusion does Socrates reach from his investigations into other supposedly wise people?

He concludes that he is wiser to the extent that he knows he does not possess wisdom, while others believe they are wise when they are not.

How does Socrates defend himself against the charge of corrupting the youth?

He questions Meletus and shows that he has never claimed to teach anyone or take fees, implying that he has no intent to corrupt.

What does Socrates propose as a suitable penalty for himself?

He proposes free meals in the Prytaneum, asserting that this is fitting for someone who has benefited the city.

What is the final message Socrates delivers regarding death?

He suggests that death may be a blessing and that a good man cannot be harmed in life or death.

What does Socrates predict about the consequences of his death for those who convicted him?

He warns them that they will face consequences harsher than those they imposed on him.

How does Socrates characterize his role in Athens?

He likens himself to a gadfly, provoking the city to care for virtue and self-examination.

What accusation does Socrates refute related to his beliefs about the gods?

He clarifies that he does believe in gods, contradicting Meletus' claims.

What philosophical idea does Socrates emphasize in his defense?

He emphasizes the importance of seeking wisdom and the examined life, declaring that 'the unexamined life is not worth living.'

How does Socrates describe the charges against him from his youth?

He refers to these earlier accusations as dangerous and untrue, having misled people from childhood.

In what way does Plato’s Apology serve as a critique of Athenian society?

It critiques the tendency of society to value wealth and reputation over morality and virtue.

What does Socrates say about knowing oneself?

He advocates for self-knowledge as crucial for understanding one's own limitations and virtues.

How does Socrates argue against Athenian beliefs?

He challenges the prevailing values of wealth and reputation, instead emphasizing the significance of virtue and knowledge.

What example does Socrates give of his method of questioning?

He uses the Socratic method to expose ignorance by asking probing questions that challenge assumptions.

What is the significance of Socrates' trial in terms of philosophy?

Socrates' trial is often seen as a pivotal moment in the development of Western philosophy, highlighting the conflict between individual thought and societal norms.

What does Socrates think about the fear of death?

He believes that fearing death is irrational, as it is unknown whether it is a bad thing or not.

In what way does Socrates influence future generations?

Socrates' emphasis on critical thinking and ethical inquiry laid the groundwork for future philosophical thought.

What is the role of Socratic irony in Socrates' defense?

Socratic irony involves Socrates pretending to be ignorant to expose the ignorance of others, which he uses to question his accusers and demonstrate their lack of knowledge.

How does Socrates address the charge of atheism?

He refutes the accusation by arguing that he believes in divine forces and is, in fact, guided by a divine inner voice.

What does Socrates say about the relationship between virtue and knowledge?

He asserts that virtue is a form of knowledge, suggesting that if one truly knows what is good, they will do good.

What lesson does Socrates' trial teach about the role of the individual in society?

Socrates' trial illustrates the importance of individual moral integrity and the responsibility to challenge societal norms.

How does Socrates differentiate himself from Sophists?

He claims to seek truth and wisdom rather than merely rhetorical success, contrasting his genuine philosophical inquiry with the Sophists' focus on persuasion.

What does Socrates believe about the influence of rhetoric?

He believes that rhetoric can be deceptive and that true wisdom lies in understanding rather than merely convincing others.

What role do Socratic dialogues play in philosophical discourse?

Socratic dialogues facilitate critical thinking and expose contradictions by engaging participants in deep questioning.

What is Socrates' view on societal condemnation and personal conviction?

He maintains that societal condemnation should not deter an individual from acting according to their personal convictions of truth and virtue.

How does Socrates' defense make a case for philosophical inquiry?

His defense demonstrates that philosophical inquiry leads to greater self-understanding and ultimately to moral and ethical betterment.

What does Socrates say about the unexamined life?

He famously declares that 'the unexamined life is not worth living,' emphasizing the necessity of self-reflection.