What is Socrates argument in the apology?

The main argument in The Apology by famous ancient Greek philosopher Plato is whether, notorious speaker and philosopher Socrates is corrupting the youth by preaching ungodly theories and teaching them unlawful ideas that do harm to individuals and society.

What was the theme of the apology?

Through his exploration of human wisdom, virtue, and integrity, Socrates discovers that there is no reason for a man who has lived a good life to fear death. The central theme of Plato’s Apology is wisdom.… show more content…

What is the thesis of Plato’s Apology?

It argues that Socrates does not so much attempt to defend his life by refuting the accusers as to protect his public image by skillfully giving a new meaning to the popular prejudice against him. As a defender, naturally, he is expected to argue for his acquittal in a straightforward and effective way.

What does Socrates ask Athenians to do with his sons?

He wants his sons to follow the path of virtue as he has done, and so he asks that if they should seem to care about riches or anything more than virtue, or if they should pretend to be something they are not, measures should be taken to correct them.

Why is the apology called the apology?

The name of the dialogue derives from the Greek “apologia,” which translates as a defense, or a speech made in defense. Thus, in The Apology, Socrates attempts to defend himself and his conduct–certainly not to apologize for it. For the most part, Socrates speaks in a very plain, conversational manner.

Is Socrates guilty in apology?

The Apology was written by Plato, and relates Socrates’ defense at his trial on charges of corrupting the youth and impiety. Socrates argues that he is innocent of both charges. His defense is ultimately unsuccessful, and he is convicted and sentenced to death.

What happened during the trial of Socrates?

At trial, the majority of the dikasts (male-citizen jurors chosen by lot) voted to convict him of the two charges; then, consistent with common legal practice voted to determine his punishment and agreed to a sentence of death to be executed by Socrates’s drinking a poisonous beverage of hemlock.

Is Plato’s Apology a tragedy?

One scholar has helpfully proposed that “the Apology is a tragedy of philosophy as well as politics, or, more exactly, of the failed relationship between them.”3 But no one has to my knowledge concretely shown how the dialogue works as a tragic drama.

What was Socrates best defense in the Apology?

Specifically, the Apology of Socrates is a defence against the charges of “corrupting the youth” and “not believing in the gods in whom the city believes, but in other daimonia that are novel” to Athens (24b).

What can we learn from the Apology?

While reading Plato’s account of Socrates’ defense, “The Apology,” I learned that it is most important to find logic in anything you do not understand at first, stand by what you say, and to not fear death.

What is the real value of an apology?

They teach the value of saying that you are sorry for hurting another . They teach respect for other people’s feelings. Children need to learn the value of empathy , and apologies can be a good start. Teachers of young children can introduce the concept of feeling badly about hurting others and how to express it.

What does Socrates Teach In the apology?

Throughout the Apology, Socrates puts forward his views of wisdom, virtue, and nobility he believes to be moral truths, not to clear his name, but to reveal the ignorance of his prosecutors, judges, and fellow citizens.

What’s the point of an apology?

What’s the point of an apology? Easy: saving face. When you apologize half of the point is admitting you’ve made a mistake with the assumption that you have learned from your mistake and you will take measures not to duplicate it. In business this can be a way to try to save someone’s career.

What is the summary of the Apology of Socrates?

The Apology. Summary. Plato’s The Apology is an account of the speech Socrates makes at the trial in which he is charged with not recognizing the gods recognized by the state, inventing new deities, and corrupting the youth of Athens. Socrates’ speech, however, is by no means an “apology” in our modern understanding of the word.