Grago Socrates

What was Socrates' profession?

Stonemason

What were the three most important themes that Socrates discussed with the citizens of Athens?

Justice, Piety, and Truth

How was Socrates different from the Sophists? What method did he use to discuss his themes?

Socrates did not charge money unlike the Sophists. He discusses his themes by constantly questioning

What did Socrates believe was the duty of every citizen?

Improve their soul

Socrates was sentenced to death on what charge?

Impeity and corrupting the youth

Where do we get our clearest picture of Socrates?

"Apology of Socrates" by his student Plato

Socrates' speech is a defiant one, but it is motivated by neither stupidity nor a desire to be martyred. Why, then, does Socrates give a defiant speech?

He does not want to give up his life's work. He will not give up his freedom.

What is it that the Athenian leaders really want from Socrates?

They want to silence him.

What form is the Apology of Socrates written in?

Dramatic

What school did Plato found? When did he found it? How and when was the school finally closed?

Plato founded "the Academy" near the tomb of Academus around 386 BC. It was shut down by emperor Justinion in 529 AD.

Socrates argues that there are two kinds of eloquence. What type of eloquence did his accusers exhibit? What type does he claim to have?

Socrates claims to have eloquence in telling the truth. His accuser say things in good manor(persuasive speech)

How old is Socrates at the time of his trial?

70 years old

According to Socrates, how ought he to be judged? What should his judges not consider when judging him?

He ought to be judged without any bias(stranger). The judges should not consider his appearance/delivery, just his words

Socrates says that he has two sets of accusers. The current ones who have put him on trial and others from years past. Which are more dangerous? Why are they more dangerous?

The old ones are more dangerous since the accusations were made a long time ago when the judges were young and impressionable.

What charges do the accusers from years past level against him?

Evildoer. Looking into things he shouldn't and making things worse.

Who is Aristophanes and what did he do?

Wrote the play "the clouds" Comedy on Socrates, mocked him ( hated the character Socrates )

How does Socrates distinguish himself from teachers who charge money?

He is not a teacher. He does it for good, not for money.

What did the oracle at Delphi say about Socrates?

He is the smartest.

In what way does Socrates claim to be wiser than politicians?

He knows and admits that he knows nothing.

In his search for a wise man, what does Socrates discover about poets and their art?

They don't know what their art means. Because they are good poets they think they are wise in all aspects of life.(Not good, merely luck)

Who does Socrates claim is the only one who is wise?

God

Why are the politicians, teachers, and poets angry at Socrates? At whom should they be angry?

He taught his students to interrogate their ( the politicians, teachers, and poets ) meaning. They should be angry at themselves.

What are the names of the three men who have leveled charges against Socrates?

Meletus, Anytus, Lycon

Meletus is compelled by Socrates' questions to claim that Socrates alone of all the citizens of Athens is a corruptor of the youth of Athens. Socrates then goes on to show that he would be foolish to corrupt his neighbors. According to Socrates, why would a man be foolish to corrupt others?

It could possibly make his life worse. If you corrupt others, there is a higher chance they will inflict harm upon you.

What does Socrates say will be the true cause of his death?

Envy and detraction of the world. If he is convicted, it will be unjust and soley because the people don't like him.

Socrates does not fear death. He says that fear of death is a "pretence of wisdom." What does pretense of wisdom mean? (Look up pretense if necessary.) Why does he say fear of death is the pretense of wisdom?

Pretense of wisdom means "giving the false appearance of wisdom" He says fearing death is unwise since nobody alive has experienced it. Therefore, we don't know whether it is good or bad, so why worry?

Socrates says that should the Athenians offer to let him live if he promises to stop practicing philosophy he would refuse. Why?

He isn't scared of death He won't stop what God intends He won't give up his life's work

What does Socrates think should be the greatest concern of each man?

Improvement of the soul, Virtue

Why does Socrates believe that those who condemn him to death will harm themselves more than they will him?

Another one of "him" will come. His people will unleash. There won't be anyone to check them

To what does Socrates compare himself? To what does he compare the state?

Compares himself to gadfly, Compares state to horse

What evidence does Socrates offer to prove that he was sent by God on his mission to teach the Athenians?

He is DIRT poor

According to Socrates, why must the person who will fight for what's right live a private life rather than a public one?

When Socrates did live a public life, he was rebuked for his actions.

Who does Socrates say would testify on his behalf that he does not corrupt the youth of Athens?

His students ( former and current ) and their families

Why does Socrates believe that asking for mercy from his judges would be "discreditable" to himself and to the state?

Wrong to fear death. He's never broken down like in war ( Would be wrong to state by lying to them )

What proof does Socrates give that he believes in God and is not impious?

He wants justice. He wants a just verdict because God is just

In the penalty phase of his trial, why will Socrates not suggest a penalty other than death? To what does he suggest they sentence him?

Suggests not death because he was just honest. He didn't do anything bad, why the penalty? He suggests they sentence him to working on public architecture )

Why does Socrates think that for him life in exile is not feasible?

He won't do anything in other places. So old, nobody else will be ( people will tell him to shut up, won't be able to stop talking )

Why does Socrates say that he cannot simply be quiet and not antagonize the elders of foreign cities?

He is called by God to disobey. doesn't want a pointless life

Socrates says that those who have sentenced him to death will suffer a worse fate than he. What fate will they suffer?

All of his students will follow his lead after he is dead

What two ways does Socrates describe death? Why does he regard either one of them as a good?

Either like sleep or a journey to question the fallen heroes. Both mean freedom from suffering = good.