Reading Questions for Plato’s Apology

How does Socrates try to distinguish his manner of speaking from that of his accusers? Why does he do this?

Socrates distinguishes two sets of accusers, the earlier and the later. Who are these two sets of accusers, and what do they each accuse? Which accusers does Socrates fear most? Why?

What does it mean to make the worse argument the stronger?

Who are the Sophists? Socrates claims to be different from them in two ways, what are these two ways, and why might they be important to his defense?

Why does Socrates embark on his mission of questioning and examining the people of Athens? What does he find in speaking to various people (statesmen, poets, craftsmen)? Does Socrates think himself wiser than most of the people he talks to? If so, in what way does he think he is wiser?

How have the Athenians reacted to his questioning? What would explain their reaction? What price has Socrates paid in pursuit of his occupation?

How does he attempt to explain the charge of corrupting the youth?

What specific charges has Meletus brought against Socrates?

Socrates deploys three arguments against Meletus--one regarding horse breeders (25a-c), one regarding deliberate harm (25c-26a), and one regarding spiritual activities and gods (27b-e). How are these supposed to function as a defense against Meletus and his charges?

Why does Socrates not fear death? Why does he see such fear as blameworthy? More specifically, what does he think are the two possibilities after death, and why does he fear neither of these? (this comes up later on at the end)

Why does Socrates say that if the jury puts him to death, they will not hurt him more than they hurt themselves?

What service does he see himself as performing for the city? Why does he think the city needs someone like him? Would he stop if ordered to do so?

What do you think Socrates means when he says, at 31e-32a, “A man who really fights for justice must lead a private, not a public, life...”?

Why do no witnesses come forward to testify that Socrates has, indeed, corrupted the youth?

What is the first penalty that Socrates suggests for himself? Why does he reject the idea of exile? What does he finally settle on?

Despite believing it would save his life, Socrates declines to beg and cry, to appeal to the pity of the jurors. What three or four reasons does he give for not appealing to pity?

Which does he say is easier to avoid, death or wickedness? Which is it more important to avoid?

Does Socrates think that his death will solve the Athenians problems? (Compare what Socrates says at 39d to 31a. Are these two passages consistent?)

What do you think of Socrates? Is he the kind of man he makes himself out to be, or is he an arrogant pain in the neck/know it all? Would you have voted to convict him? Would you have voted to execute him? Explain each part of your answer.

Is Socrates a hero? If so, how is he different from previous heros we've looked at? If not, why not--what does he lack in terms of heroism?

Remember to include one or two questions you had while reading. Include your thoughts on possible answers.

Socrates 469 - 399 B.C.		Plato 427 - 347 B.C.

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