Plato’s Apology of Socrates

These flashcards encapsulate key vocabulary and concepts from Plato's 'Apology of Socrates,' aiding in the understanding of the text's philosophical themes.

Apology

A formal defense or justification, especially in a court of law, as Socrates presented in the text.

Slander

The action or crime of making a false spoken statement damaging to a person's reputation.

Daimonion

A divine or spiritual being; in this context, it refers to the inner voice or sign that Socrates claims guides his actions.

Wisdom

The quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment; Socrates claims to possess a form of human wisdom.

Orator

A public speaker, especially one who is eloquent or skilled.

Pythia

The priestess of Apollo at Delphi, known for delivering oracles.

Sophist

A paid teacher of philosophy and rhetoric in ancient Greece, often associated with moral skepticism and specious reasoning.

Corrupt

To damage or harm someone morally; in context, it refers to the accusation against Socrates of corrupting the youth.

Virtue

Behavior showing high moral standards; Socrates emphasizes the importance of caring for one's virtue.

Injustice

Lack of fairness or justice; Socrates argues against the charges of acting unjustly.

Socrates

A classical Greek philosopher credited as one of the founders of Western philosophy and known for his Socratic method.

Envy

A feeling of discontented or resentful longing aroused by someone else's possessions, qualities, or luck.

Logos

A principle of order and knowledge; often associated with rational discourse.

Meletus

One of Socrates' accusers, who leads the indictment against him.

Athenian

A citizen of Athens, known for its rich cultural and intellectual life.

Philosophy

The study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence.

Indictment

A formal charge or accusation of a serious crime; reflects the legal action taken against Socrates.

Mythos

A traditional or recurrent narrative theme or plot; in contrast to the rational discourse sought by Socrates.

Rhetoric

The art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing; Socrates famously critiques its misuse by others.

Duty

A moral or legal obligation; Socrates emphasizes his duty to seek truth and wisdom.

Trial

A formal examination of evidence and claims in a court of law, concerning the guilt or innocence of a defendant.

Legacy

Something handed down by a predecessor; Socrates's ideas and methods continue to influence philosophy today.