Study Questions for Plato's Socrates' Apology - Day 1

Read the questions before you read the first portion of the Apology. After you've read the first portion of the Apology, answer the questions.

1. In the opening paragraphs, Socrates compares himself to his speakers.  In what ways does Socrates compliment them?  (Underline the examples in your text.)  In what ways does he insult them?  (Underline the examples in your text.)  Why do think he both compliments and insults them?

2. The charges against Socrates fall into two groups, the older ones which have been circulated by rumor and the newer, formal charges brought by Anytus, Meletus, and their associates.  What are the older charges brought against Socrates?  (Underline the passages in which Socrates states the older "charges" against him.)

3. Socrates speaks of two sorts of accusers the old and the recent. Which does he think are the more dangerous? Why, in his view, are they more dangerous?

4. How, specifically, does Socrates refute the older charges?  What does he say to demonstrate his innocence of these older charges?

5. Socrates realizes that his responses so far have not convinced his audience.  So he decides to explain why he got into trouble in the first place. According to Socrates, what is the source of his extraordinary behavior (his constant questioning)?

6. Whom does he question?  (Be specific and list the groups he questions.)  What does he learn from and about each set of men he questions?

7. Socrates claims not to know anything worth while.  Can you find anywhere in the Part I of the dialogue where he says he knows something? (Underline the passages.)  How can Socrates' disavowals of knowledge be reconciled with his confident action and bold moral assertions? (translation: how is it that Socrates can claim that he doesn't know anything, yet he acts very confidently in front of the jury and makes very clear statements about his accusers and their charges.  Is this inconsistent with his claim to not know anything?)

8. Socrates self-defense is called an Apology.  What elements of Socrates speech seem apologetic, in the modern sense? (Underline them.) 

9. Socrates' trial is held with a jury of 500 of the citizens of Athens.  The city had had, at its peak, a population of about 200,000.  Socrates had been around for 70 years in the city.  He was obviously well-known in the city (Aristophanes had even written his play The Clouds featuring a satire of Socrates).  Both his defenders and his detractors were permitted to vote at the trial. Do you think this a "just" or "fair" way for a community to try court cases?  Why or why not?

10.  If you were Socrates' defense lawyer in contemporary American society, what would you advise Socrates to do with his speech?  Would you let him take the stand?  What parts of his speech (Part I anyway) would you have him emphasize?  What parts would you have him delete?  What would you have him include which he has not included?

Special Thanks to Professors Janice Siegel of Illinois State University, Professor Lew Hinchman of Clarkson College, Dr. Tom Kearnes of North Seattle Community College, Professor John MacFarlane at UC Berkeley, and Andrew Messchaert at Porterville Community College in CA.