Apology (Plato) - Flashcards

A set of practice flashcards in a Question-and-Answer format covering key concepts, arguments, and passages from Plato's Apology (translated by Benjamin Jowett).

What does Socrates claim about the speeches of his accusers in his defense?

He says they spoke with falsehoods and were hardly truthful; he will tell the whole truth rather than rely on their eloquence.

How old does Socrates say he is when he stands before the court?

He states that he is more than seventy years of age.

How does Socrates differentiate his own eloquence from that of his accusers?

Socrates claims his words arise from immediate thought and concern truth, not ornamented rhetoric; he emphasizes the force of truth over mere eloquence.

Socrates distinguishes two kinds of accusers. Who are they?

The ancient accusers who have long slandered him, and the newer accusers led by Meletus.

What are the charges Meletus brings against Socrates?

That Socrates is an evil-doer, corrupts the youth, does not believe in the gods of the state, and introduces new divinities.

How does Socrates respond to the claim that he teaches for money?

He rejects the charge, noting that he has nothing to do with the sophists who charge for teaching and denying that he teaches for payment; he claims he has no such system or knowledge.

What is the Delphic oracle story that Socrates recounts to explain his reputation for wisdom?

Chaerephon asked the oracle if anyone was wiser than Socrates; the oracle answered that there was none, prompting Socrates to test whether he truly was wise.

What method does Socrates describe for testing the oracle’s claim about wisdom?

He sought out those reputed to be wise (politicians, poets, artisans) and questioned them, finding that many believed themselves wise though they were not.

Why does Socrates think the accusation of corrupting the youth cannot be true?

He argues that if he corrupted the youth, all would be corrupted; instead he shows that many educated in philosophy use their influence for good, and the city itself improves the youth.

What is the famous statement Socrates makes about the 'unexamined life'?

The life which is not examined is not worth living.

Which three groups does Socrates say Meletus represents (poets, craftsmen, rhetoricians)?

Meletus represents the poets, Anytus the craftsmen, and Lycon the rhetoricians.

What is Socrates’ stance regarding belief in gods and divine beings in response to the charge of atheism?

He argues that he believes in divine beings and spiritual agencies, contradicting Meletus’ claim that he believes in no gods; he also calls out the inconsistency in the indictment.

What analogy does Socrates use to illustrate his view on who improves the youth versus who corrupts them?

The horse trainer analogy: if one man corrupts horses, many will be harmed; similarly, it cannot be true that he alone corrupts youth while the rest of the city improves them.

What does Socrates say about wealth and virtue in his defense?

He asserts that virtue is not given by money and that money and every other good come from virtue; he is poor, which he takes as evidence of his integrity.

What role does Chaerephon play in the Apology?

Chaerephon is Socrates’ friend who went to Delphi to consult the oracle about whether there is anyone wiser than Socrates.

What does Socrates say about his lack of regular disciples and paying students?

He states that he has no regular disciples; anyone may come to hear him, and he does not teach for pay or private gain.

What sentence does Socrates propose for himself?

He suggests a penalty of thirty minae, with his friends as sureties, and contemplates Prytaneum maintenance as an alternative reward if needed.

What sentence does the jury ultimately impose on Socrates?

Socrates is found guilty and condemned to death by poison (hemlock).

What prophecy does Socrates offer to the judges after his death?

That heavier accusations will await them after his death, coming from younger accusers who will be more severe in their scrutiny.

How does Socrates justify his conduct in the face of fear of death?

He argues that the good man should not fear death or life; it is better to act rightly than to seek to avoid death.

What is the final claim Socrates makes about the afterlife and those who have wronged him?

He asserts that no evil can happen to a good man in life or after death, and that after death he may converse with heroes and poets, continuing the search for wisdom.

What is the ultimate message Socrates leaves to his listeners about virtue and the soul?

The greatest good is the improvement of the soul; virtue is the true wealth, and the unexamined life is not worth living.