Plato: Apology
Reading Plato's dialogues is one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences in Western philosophy. The Apology is one of Plato's most famous dialogues. It covers everything from Plato's theory of knowledge to the place of philosophy in contemporary life. Plato argues that the unexamined life is not worth living, and as a philosophy professor, I tend to agree.
Plato's Apology is really a defense of philosophy. Socrates has a very real choice to make both in this dialogue and in the Crito. The choice is simply: give up the practice of doing philosophy or face certain execution by your many enemies. Throughout his eloquent speech Socrates refutes the three charges brought against him and continually reaffirms his commitment to philosophy, not out of hubris, but rather born from a genuine concern to encourage reflection in two arenas.
First, he challenges the wise men of repute who rule Athens. These encounters are dialogues about the origins of knowledge, wisdom, justice, beauty, love and piety. His "teachings" are informal discussions designed to examine one particular issue. These challenges to public opinion have brought him many enemies. Second, he challenges the city as a whole to develop the character of its citizens by bringing them the capacity to think critically. Remember the Sophists are in high fashion at the time and Socrates challenges the idea that arguments that merely sound good are valid.
Here are some web sites that will enhance your understanding of this week's reading:
Plato's Apology:
- The Brooklyn College, City University of New York, has an excellent site on the Apology that contains much background information.
- Bernard SUZANNE has an excellent site entitled, Plato and his dialogues; here's a link to his summary of the "Plan of the Apology."
- Sparknotes.com also provides an excellent resource site for the Apology.
- Finally, this site provides a great resource for understanding Abraham Maslow and his Hierarchy of Needs. We talk about his in conjunction with Plato's theory of the soul.
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Guide Questions:
The following questions are designed to fine tune your understanding of the reading. The subject matter and answers to these questions form the basis of what you will be required to know for exams.
Objectives for this week: To continue our adventure in learning about the roots of Western philosophy by grappling with the interesting claims made in Plato's Apology. After reading the Apology, reviewing the resources and attempting the guide questions below, you should be able to:
- list the three charges brought against Socrates and discuss the nature/spectrum of the accusers
- describe how Socrates defends himself against the charges
- provide a cogent summary of Plato's theory of knowledge
- discuss Socrates' reasons for not abandoning philosophy along with his vision of the soul/psyche
- explain why Socrates is not content to merely beg for his life
Apology
Guide Questions:
The following questions are designed to fine tune your understanding of the reading. I will check to see if you've completed them; the subject matter and answers to these questions form the basis of what you will be required to know for exams.
17-23:
- What are the three charges brought against Socrates?
- Who are his accusers? (2 groups) Which group does Socrates believe to be more dangerous to his case? Why?
- What is the Oracle at Delphi and how does it influence Socrates' choice of profession?
- Who studies with Socrates and why? Is Socrates a teacher?
24-27: the encounter with Meletus
- Socrates examines two charges brought against him in his dialogue with Meletus. What are they?
- How does Socrates defend himself against that charge that he is corrupting the young?
- How does Socrates prove that he must necessarily believe in divine beings?
28-32: the practice of philosophy and service to the city
- What does Socrates' say about practicing philosophy in the face of certain death?
- Given the choice to spare his life on the condition that he give up practicing philosophy what is Socrates' response?
- What should be the object of greatest concern for all Athenians?
- Why is Socrates in the city?
- Why does Socrates avoid practicing politics? What is implication for public and private space?
33-35: Socrates' summary, the "last stand"
- Who does Socrates teach and why?
- Socrates mentions his friends and associates with whom he has spent many hours discussing philosophy. Why does he use this tactic and to what end?
- Why not just beg for his life?
36-42: post-conviction blues
- What penalty does Socrates recommend for himself?
- What is more difficult to avoid than death?
- Socrates makes a prediction about the future. What is it?
- What is Socrates' take on death and the afterlife? What will he be doing in the afterlife?
- Socrates asks the good people of the jury to look after his sons. When ought one to question the motives of the young?
Some post-Apology considerations:
- The Apology presents us with a clear dilemma: one may become unpopular and reviled for challenging common conceptions of reality. Socrates challenges public opinion about all manner of ideas and has angered many. Is it OK to give in to social pressure to do something that is unjust?
- What is the most important element in Socrates' choice of profession? Do you think it is important to pursue work that is meaningful?
- Why does Athens put Socrates to death? Why not just exile him?
Smartboard Notes from Weeks 3 & 4 Lectures:
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