plato’s apology

Socrates addresses the jury, expressing uncertainty about how his accusers’ words affected them, but revealing that he felt almost persuaded despite their lies.
He asserts that much of what his accusers stated is untrue.
He highlights an accusation against him: that he is an accomplished speaker and warns the jury not to be misled by eloquence.
Socrates expresses that if an 'accomplished speaker' is defined as one who speaks the truth, then he agrees he is an orator but not in the manner of his accusers.

Socrates states it is his first court appearance at age 70, asking for understanding if his speech is informal, akin to his discussions in the marketplace.
He requests the jury to focus on the justice of his words rather than his speaking style.

Socrates plans to address two sets of accusers: the old ones (who have formed longstanding opinions about him) and the recent ones.
He identifies the core falsehoods about him: he is a wise man who studies nature (sky and earth) and can make weaker arguments appear stronger.

Socrates notes that these early accusers have influenced many since childhood, and their accusations are avowedly unfounded, primarily by those who do not even have a proper basis for their claims.
He emphasizes that his accusation lacks concrete evidence, as many critics are not well-known and often escape accountability.

The written charge claims Socrates engages in wrongdoings by examining celestial and earthly phenomena, corrupts youth, and teaches how to argue ineffectively.
Socrates denies any connection or active engagement with such matters as described by his accusers.
He offers his conversations with various well-known figures to highlight that he does not claim to possess such knowledge or to teach for a fee.

He reflects on the notion of wisdom, proposing that he possesses a type of human wisdom:
- Human Wisdom: Understanding one