Apology

Apology

Summary: Socrates defends himself against acussations of corrupting the youth and impiety. He chooses to make a logical appeal to the jury and reject emotional appeals such as bringing his children to cry for him on his behalf. Socrates makes out that he has become unpopular for questioning people and a following of young people have started to follow his example. The 3 accusers represents the people of different vocations he has questioned: Anytus (craftsmen and politicians), Meletus (poet), Lycon (orators) The notes mention historical circumstances could also be a reason for Socrates popularity. Ultimately Socrates does not succeed in defending himself, the jury judges him guilty and then sentences him to death.

Observations: Socrates claims that a divine voice is guiding him, telling him what actions to avoid, as well as that he has been given a divine sign to pursue philosophy and the truth. avoid politics He does not claim divine authority, only that as his motivation. It is however remarked that he was attached to the city by the god, indirectly noting that going against him goes against the god.

Social consequences of philosophy and pursuing truth: The risks of pursuing truth and living as a philosopher is clearly emphasised in this dialogue. Republic also refences the social risk a person takes from questioning everything.

Critic of rhetoric: Apparent through the defense that Socrates disdains emotional appeals and would rather take his execution than compromise logical reasoning in favor of rhetoric. This is further developed in Gorgias.

The idea of a successor to Socrates is brought up, also in Phaedo.

Hints of epistemology and art: Poets do not compose poems with knowledge, but with inborn talent and inspiration. Bystanders could explain their works better than the poets themselves.

Speculation on death: Socrates has no adequate knowledge of the afterlife, therefore he does not fear it. He however values living the good life over living a long life. This execution might be a good thing as the divine sign didnt oppose it, death might be a blessing This is starkly different from Phaedo, Gorgias and Republic where death is speculated on. Can this be how the actual Socrates viewed the afterlife while the other works reflect Plato's ideas?