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Socrates on Trial

Socrates on Trial. The Apology. What is Socrates apologizing for? Apologia means “Defense” (not “apology”) Charges brought in 399 B.C. by Anytus, Lycon, and Meletus. Trial is historical Speeches may or may not be historical. The Apology. The Formal charges (24b): Corrupting the young.

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Socrates on Trial

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  1. Socrates on Trial

  2. The Apology • What is Socrates apologizing for? • Apologia • means “Defense” (not “apology”) • Charges brought in 399 B.C. by Anytus, Lycon, and Meletus. • Trial is historical • Speeches may or may not be historical.

  3. The Apology • The Formal charges (24b): • Corrupting the young. • Not believing in the gods of Athens. • Believing in other new spiritual things: • Daimon • = Conscience?

  4. The Apology • Bad reputation • The Earlier accusations (19b): • Studies things in the sky and below the earth. • Makes the worse into the stronger argument. • Teaches others to do the same.

  5. Aristophanes (448-380 B.C.) “The Clouds” (423 B.C.)

  6. Response to Earlier Accusations • Is Socrates a sophist? • Why doesn’t Socrates mind his own business? • Socrates’ mission.

  7. Chairephon goes to Delphi

  8. Temple of Apollo at Delphi “Oracle”: Pythian priestess answers questions

  9. Oracle at Delphi • Yes-or-No questions: • “Should I raise sheep?” • “Is the child Annyla is pregnant with my child?” • “Is now a good time to attack?” • “Is anyone wiser than Socrates?” • “No.” Mission (33c)

  10. Socrates’ Mission • What could that mean? How could it be true? • Socrates didn’t think he really knew anything. • Socrates knew that he didn’t know. • Gadfly: rouse Athenians to reflection. • God’s gift to Athens! (30e-31b)

  11. Response to Formal Charges • Questions Meletus: • Corrupts the young? • Not intentionally. Examples?

  12. Alcibiades

  13. Alcibiades (450-404 B.C.) Athenian General, 421-415 flees to Sparta, 415 flees to Persia, 413 returns to Athens, 411 Athenian General, 411-406 exiled, 406 assassinated by Persians, 404.

  14. Plato’s Symposium

  15. Response to Formal Charges Questions Meletus: Corrupts the young? Not intentionally. Examples? • Disbelieves in gods?/Introduces gods? • What does this mean? • Proof that he believes?

  16. Response to Formal Charges • What do you think of Socrates’ defense? • Attitude? • Penalty. What do you think of Socrates now?

  17. Socrates’ Beliefs • “The unexamined life is not worth living for a man.” (38a) • But the examined life is extremely painful. • Malcolm X (1925-1965)

  18. Socrates’ Beliefs • “A good man cannot be harmed either in life or in death.” (41d) • What does he mean by this? • Do you agree? • Why or why not?

  19. Socrates’ Fate • Convicted. • Sentenced to death. • “Crito”: refused chance to escape. • “Phaedo”: conversation on last day of his life, and his death. • Paper assignment.

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