Untitled Flashcards Set

“The Apology of Socrates” by Plato: Reading Packet

I. Vocabulary

Before reading the text, familiarize yourself with these key terms:

1. Apology

-A formal defense or justification, like a written or spoken argument defending a belief or position

2. Sophist

-An unreliable, self-proclaimed expert in a field, especially philosophy. Typically charge money for unreliable education. 

3. Oracle

-A priest or priestess acting as a medium through whom advice or prophecy was sought

from the gods in classical antiquity.

4. Rhetoric

-The art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing, especially the use of figures of

speech and other compositional techniques.

5. Virtue

-Behavior showing high moral standards.

6. Corruption

-Dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power, typically involving bribery.

7. Impiety

-Lack of reverence, especially for god.

8. Dialectic

-The art of investigating or discussing the truth of opinions. Plato’s Dialectic was focused

on Forms

9. Wisdom

-the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment

10. Hemlock

-a highly poisonous European plant of the parsley family, with a purple-spotted stem,

fernlike leaves, small white flowers, and an unpleasant smell.

II. Multiple-Choice Questions

Read each question carefully and choose the best answer.

1. What does the word "apology" mean in the context of this work?

   a) An expression of regret

   b) A defense speech

   c) A farewell address

   d) A confession of guilt

2. Who accused Socrates of corrupting the youth and impiety?

   a) Plato

   b) Aristotle

   c) Meletus

   d) Xenophon

3. What was the Oracle of Delphi's claim about Socrates?

   a) He was the wisest man in Athens

   b) He would become a great leader

   c) He would die by poison

   d) He would found a new school of philosophy

4. What was Socrates' main method of teaching?

   a) Lecturing

   b) Writing books

   c) Questioning and dialogue

   d) Physical demonstrations

5. What punishment did Socrates suggest for himself initially?

   a) Exile

   b) A fine

   c) Imprisonment

   d) Free meals at the Prytaneum

III. Short-Answer Questions

Answer the following questions in 2-3 sentences each.

1. Why does Socrates claim he is not a skilled speaker? What is the purpose of this claim?

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

3. Explain Socrates' statement: "The unexamined life is not worth living."

4. Why does Socrates compare himself to a gadfly? What does this metaphor mean?

5. How does Socrates view death, according to his speech?

V. Vocabulary in Context

Use each vocabulary word in a sentence that demonstrates your understanding of its meaning in the context of "The Apology."

1. Apology:

2. Sophist:

3. Oracle:

4. Rhetoric:

5. Virtue:

6. Corruption:

7. Impiety:

8. Dialectic:

9. Wisdom:

10. Hemlock:

VI. True or False

Mark each statement as True (T) or False (F).

1. ___ Socrates believed he was the wisest man in Athens.

2. ___ The trial of Socrates took place in ancient Rome.

3. ___ Socrates was found guilty by a narrow margin.

4. ___ Socrates suggested exile as his own punishment.

5. ___ The Apology is a written account by Socrates himself.

VII. Reflection

In a paragraph, reflect on the relevance of Socrates' ideas to modern society. How might his approach to questioning and seeking wisdom apply to current issues or your own life?

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