Defense of Socrates (17a-24b) - Fill-in-the-Blank Flashcards

Accusers and Charges (context and framework)

• Accusers named: Meletus, Anytus, Lycon.

  • Meletus represents the poets (aggrieved for the poets) → charges linked to poetic culture.

  • Anytus represents the craftsman and politicians (aggrieved for the craftsman and politicians).

  • Lycon represents the orators (aggrieved for the orators).

  • Reference to their respective factions: poets, craftsmen/politicians, and orators (23e).

• Socrates identifies two sets of charges to explain the accusations:

  • a) the first set, falsely brought by his earliest accusers

  • b) the set of more recent charges (18a)

• Background of the long-standing rumors against Socrates (the first set):

  • A/ Being a ‘wise man’

  • B/ Pondering what is above the earth and investigating everything beneath it

  • C/ Turning the weakest argument into the stronger

  • These charges are described by Socrates as a malicious slander and form the first set (18b).

• Strategy of the defense in addressing these charges:

  • Socrates separates the old rumors from the newer charges to clarify the opposition.

  • He asserts the older charges are not genuine reflections of his concerns or aims.

• The two sets of charges are framed as Socrates’ initial defense challenge: to show that the popular accusations are mischaracterizations or distortions of his behavior and inquiries.

The First Set of Charges (the long-standing rumors about a ‘wise man’ and related concerns)

• The core accusation (Charge a) of gaining a reputation as a ‘wise man’ originates from Chaerephon’s Delphic oracle anecdote (21a–21b):

  • Chaerephon asked the Delphic oracle whether there is anyone wiser than Socrates.

  • The oracle responded that there is no one wiser than Socrates.

  • Socrates reflects on what the oracle could mean and begins an investigative process (21a–22a).

• Socrates’ investigative method and findings (based on engagement with those reputed for wisdom):

  • He sought out people who were known for their wisdom in three spheres: poets, politicians, and craftsmen.

  • He observed that each group claimed expertise beyond their own domain:

  • Poets claimed knowledge about matters of utmost importance beyond poetry.

  • Politicians claimed expertise in public affairs beyond their craft.

  • Craftsmen (skilled artisans) claimed broader expertise in general matters.

  • This arrogance, in Socrates’ view, eclipsed their true wisdom, revealing a common flaw: overconfidence in domains outside one’s own expertise (22d).

• Socrates’ self-assessment of wisdom in light of these findings:

  • The only meaningful sense in which Socrates is wiser than those he questioned is his recognition of his own ignorance: if he does not know something, he does not pretend to know it.

  • The famous conclusion (23a):

  • \text{The wisest among you is anyone who, like Socrates, has recognized that, with respect to wisdom, he is truly worthless.}

• Socrates’ response to the claim that he is a ‘wise man’:

  • He argues that the reputation arises from Chaerephon’s story about the oracle, not from his actual beliefs or discussions.

  • He stresses that the subjects attributed to him (investigations of wisdom and related topics) are not his concerns or beliefs in reality (19c–23a).

• Socrates’ critique of the imagined wisest man:

  • He challenges the idea that wisdom equals claiming expertise in all things; instead, true wisdom involves knowing when one does not know (23a).

The Second Set of Charges (the more recent charges; 18a)

• Identification of the second, more recent set of charges (18a):

  • This set is distinguished from the long-standing rumors; it represents newer accusations against Socrates.

  • The transcript does not enumerate the specific items of this second set, but it is treated as distinct from the older, “malicious slander” about wisdom and the related subjects.

• Socrates’ approach to the second set:

  • He treats these charges as separate from the first set and evaluates them on their own terms, aiming to distinguish his actual actions and beliefs from the accusations.

Aristophanes’ Comedy versus Socrates’ Reality

• Socrates asserts that the introductory views about him are echoed in Aristophanes’ play (the public theatre):

  • The play contains a character named ‘Socrates’ who behaves as if he is walking on air, thereby exaggerating or caricaturing his persona.

  • Socrates claims these subjects (as presented in the play) are not his concerns at all.

• The discrepancy between theatrical portrayal and actual conduct:

  • Socrates emphasizes that no one has actually heard him discuss those subjects in earnest, either briefly or at length (19c–19d).

• Consequences for the charges:

  • The Aristophanes depiction is used to illustrate how the public might misinterpret or misrepresent his inquiries, contributing to the false charges.

The Sophist Charge and the Modesty Claim (Charge c and the Evenus comparison)

• Charge c: Turning the weakest argument into the stronger (sophistic technique):

  • Socrates denies possessing this skill and points to Evenus as an example who did charge for such skills (a sophist).

  • He would not be so modest as Evenus regarding fees; Evenus charged 5 minas (20a–20c).

• The implied critique of sophistry:

  • Socrates rejects the notion that he is a sophist or that he uses rhetorical manipulation to win arguments.

  • The reference to Evenus serves to illustrate the distinction between genuine inquiry and the showy display of argumentative prowess for money or reputation.

• The monetary reference:

  • Evenus’ price for the supposed skill is cited as a contrast to Socrates’ own approach, which emphasizes humble inquiry rather than ostentatious display (20a–20c).

Chaerephon, the Oracle, and the Guiding Question

• Chaerephon’s visit to the Delphic Oracle:

  • The oracle reportedly answered that there is no one wiser than Socrates (21a–21b).

• Socrates’ reaction and inquiry inspired by the oracle:

  • He wondered what the god’s riddle could mean and began an investigation into the nature of wisdom (21a–22a).

• Method and outcome of the investigation:

  • He engaged with individuals perceived as wise (poets, politicians, craftsmen) to test the oracle’s claim.

  • He discovered a common flaw among them: a confidence in their own wisdom that exceeded their actual understanding.

• The epistemic conclusion:

  • Socrates concludes that his own wisdom lies in recognizing his ignorance, not in claiming comprehensive knowledge.

  • The overarching claim about wisdom: true wisdom is not about possession of knowledge but about awareness of one’s limits (23a).

Core Philosophical Implications and Significance

• The Socratic paradox: wisdom defined by ignorance rather than certainty

  • Socrates reframes wisdom as recognizing one’s own ignorance rather than claiming infallible knowledge.

  • This undermines the popular expectation that wisdom equates to expertise across domains.

• The role of the philosopher in Athenian society:

  • The philosophical pursuit involves challenging public pretensions and questioning inherited authorities (poets, politicians, orators).

  • This can be socially destabilizing and politically charged, contributing to accusations of corruption or impiety.

• The tension between rhetoric and truth:

  • The distinction between genuine inquiry (Socrates’ method) and sophistry (mere persuasive skill for reputational gain or money) is central to the dialogue.

• The ethical dimension:

  • Socrates’ humility before ignorance is presented as a moral stance, shaping how one should engage with public discourse and self-criticism.

• Practical and real-world relevance:

  • The dialogic method echoes the modern emphasis on critical thinking, epistemic humility, and the dangers of conflating reputation with knowledge.

Cross-References and Meta-Notes (structure of the dialogue)

• Time/section references:

  • Accusers and framework: (23e)

  • Two sets of charges: (18a) and the first set described around (18b)

  • The oracle anecdote and its discussion: (21a–21b)

  • Investigation of wisdom and its manifestations: (22d)

  • Final wisdom claim: (23a)

• Notable terms and figures:

  • Chaerephon: the envoy who consults the Delphic oracle

  • Pythia: the Delphic oracle speaker

  • Evenus: a known sophist used as a contrast for Socrates’ supposed skills

  • Aristophanes: the playwright whose comedy features a character named Socrates

• Key formulaic idea:

  • \text{Wisdom} = \, \text{recognition of one’s own ignorance}

Takeaways for exam-style understanding

• Socrates distinguishes between long-standing rumor and newer accusations, enabling a targeted critique of each.

• The central claim about wisdom is epistemic humility: awareness of one’s limits is a form of wisdom not possessed by those who claim comprehensive expertise.

• Public figures and intellectuals are vulnerable to accusations when their inquiries challenge conventional beliefs or threaten established power structures.

• The distinction between genuine inquiry (Socratic method) and sophistry (rhetorical display for gain) is a recurring theme in the dialogical defense of a philosopher.

• The interplay between dramatic portrayal (Aristophanes) and philosophical truth is used to illustrate how public perception can diverge from personal practice.

Glossary of key ideas and references

• Meletus, Anytus, Lycon: accusers representing poets, craftsmen/politicians, and orators

• 23e, 21a–21b, 22d, 23a, 18a, 18b: citation anchors to the dialogue’s sections

• Chaerephon: the interlocutor who seeks the oracle’s judgment

• Pythia: the oracle’s speaker at Delphi

• Evenus: reference point for the price of sophistic craft (5 minas)

• Minas: unit of currency in ancient Athens (5 minas mentioned in relation to Evenus)