The Apology - Discussion Questions

Introduction
  • Stephanus Numbers
    • Famous 1578 translation
    • Utility
  • Themes & Layers
    • Rhetoric - Analyze Socrates' methods of argument.
    • Justice - Are the charges fair?  Should Socrates feel any loyalty to Athens or its laws?
    • Ethics - What does it mean to live a good life?  Are there worse fates than death?
  • Reading Plato
    • Contradictions: You're probably falling into Plato's trap
    • Weird Stuff:  This is a sign
  • Discussion
    • Follow the flow of discussion
    • Plato: Honesty + Short Answers
    • Quiet folks:  Find something to comment on!  Sometimes I toss out softballs (fact vs. opinion).
    • Big talkers:  Talk the second most in the room!  (What's most important to you?)
Initial Views
  • What kind of person is Socrates?
  • Do you like the guy?
  • What do you think about the tone he takes during the trial?
Accusations and Socrates' Quest  (17a to 24b)
  • Why does he say he is "not an accomplished speaker" (17b) when he clearly is?
  • He says he has two sorts of attacks against him:  what are they?
  • He mentioned Meletus (19b) and then explains his charges.   What is he being accused of?
  • What does it mean to "make the worse argument the stronger"?
    • Sophists (19d-e)
  • Socrates cites his experience with the Oracle at Delphi.  How does this explain his behavior of asking people questions all the time?
    • Do you believe the motivations his claims?
  • What is the error of the politicians, poets, and craftsmen?
  • How does Socrates explain the Oracle's words?
  • How does Socrates then categorize his lifestyle? 
  • So why do people accuse him of these charges, according to Socrates?
Meletus' First Accusation:  Corrupting the Youth
  • How does he summarize Meletus' accusations?
  • Elenchus #1:  Improving the Youth (24e-25b)
    • Walk through the Elenchus. 
    • What does Meletus claim, and how does Socrates reject it?
    • Do you agree with Socrates about who improves the youth?
  • Elenchus #2: Wicked Citizens & Harm (25b-26b)
    • Summarize the Elenchus
    • Why does Socrates make this argument?  Is it effective?
Meletus' Second Accusation:  Impiety
  • Clarification - What is the precise charge?
  • Elenchus #3:  Gods & Spirits (27b-28e)
    • Summarize the Elenchus
On Death

  • What does Socrates say about taking into account the risk of life or death?
  • What virtue is Socrates describing here?
  • Why should we not fear death?
  • What does Socrates say about a "plea bargain" type deal where he agrees to stop practicing philosophy?
  • "He could not harm me, for I do not think it is permitted that a better man be harmed by a worse."  - What does this mean?  Do you agree with him?  (30d)
  • Explain Daimon - divine sign
  • Is Socrates a teacher?
  • Why doesn't he appeal to emotion?
Sentencing
  • What does Socrates initially say he deserves?
  • What does it mean when he says, "the unexamined life is not worth living"?
  • Read Socrates words on death and wickedness (39a-c)
  • What is Socrates prophecy?
  • How does Socrates describe his predictions about death?




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