Platonis Apologia Socratis
1891
Platonis Apologia Socratis
1891
Translated by F. A. (Friedrich August) Wolf
''Platonis Apologia Socratis,'' written by Plato and first published in 1891, presents the defense speech of Socrates during his trial in 399 BC. Accused of impiety and corrupting the youth of Athens, Socrates argues for the importance of truth, wisdom, and moral integrity. The text explores themes of justice, virtue, and individual responsibility, showcasing Socrates' commitment to critical thinking and self-examination. This work is a foundational text in Western philosophy, illustrating the philosophical ideals that Socrates embodied, even in the face of death.
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“for the unexamined life is not worth living.””
— Plato
“for the best possible state of your soul, as I say to you: Wealth does not bring about excellence, but excellence makes wealth and everything else good for men, both individually and collectively.””
— Plato
“the most important thing is not life, but the good life.””
— Plato
“Men of Athens, I honor and I love you, but I will obey the god rather than you and as long as I draw breath and am able, I shall not cease to practice philosophy, to exhort you and in my usual way to point out to any one of you whom I happen to meet.””
— Plato
“no man will survive who genuinely opposes you or any other crowd and prevents the occurrence of many unjust and illegal happenings in the city. A man who really fights for justice must lead a private, not a public, life if he is to survive for even a short time””
— Plato
“I am speaking like a book, but I believe that what I am saying is true.””
— Plato
“The next thing I want to do is to make a prophecy to you, the ones who voted against me; I’m now at that moment when human beings are most prone to turn prophet, when they’re about to die. I tell you, you Athenians who have become my killers, that just as soon as I’m dead you’ll meet with a punishment that – Zeus knows – will be much harsher than the one you’ve meted out to me by putting me to death. You’ve acted as you have now because you think it’ll let you off being challenged for an account of your life; in fact, I tell you, you’ll find 39d the case quite the opposite. There’ll be more, not fewer, people challenging you – people that I was holding back, without your noticing it, and they’ll be all the harsher because they’re younger, and you’ll be crosser than you are now. If you think killing people will stop anyone reproaching you for not living correctly, you’re not thinking straight. Being””
— Plato
“if you think that a man who is any good at all should take into account the risk of life or death; he should look to this only in his action, whether what he does is right or wrong, whether he is acting life a good or a bad man.””
— Plato
“فلا ينبغي لأحد ان ينساق لرأي الناس إن كان مخالفا للعقل””
— Plato
About Platonis Apologia Socratis
Chapter Summaries
- Exordium
- Socrates begins by contrasting his plain speaking with his accusers' persuasive but false rhetoric. He asks the jury's patience with his unconventional style, noting this is his first appearance in court at age 70.
- Propositio
- Socrates identifies two sets of accusers: the old prejudices spread over many years, and the recent formal charges. He argues the old slanders are more dangerous because they've had time to take root in people's minds.
- Confutatio I
- Socrates addresses the long-standing accusations that he studies natural philosophy and makes the weaker argument stronger. He explains how the Oracle's pronouncement led to his mission of questioning supposedly wise people, creating enemies who spread false rumors about him.
Key Themes
- The Nature of Wisdom
- Socrates argues that true wisdom consists in recognizing one's own ignorance. His famous declaration that he knows only that he knows nothing becomes the foundation of his defense and his life's work.
- Divine Mission and Duty
- Socrates presents his philosophical questioning as a divine mission commanded by the god Apollo. He refuses to abandon this calling even under threat of death, viewing obedience to divine command as paramount.
- The Examined Life
- The famous assertion that 'the unexamined life is not worth living' encapsulates Socrates' belief that constant self-reflection and questioning of others is essential to human existence and virtue.
Characters
- Socrates(protagonist)
- The 70-year-old Athenian philosopher on trial for impiety and corrupting youth. He presents himself as a seeker of wisdom who questions others to expose their ignorance, claiming to know only that he knows nothing.
- Meletus(antagonist)
- A young, insignificant tragic poet who formally presents the indictment against Socrates. Described as having a beak-like nose, long straight hair, and an ill-grown beard.
- Anytus(antagonist)
- A wealthy leather-seller and the most influential of Socrates' accusers. A democratic politician who suffered under the Thirty Tyrants and holds personal and political grudges against Socrates.
- Lyco(antagonist)
- A demagogue and public speaker, the third accuser of Socrates. Less is known about him, but he appears to represent the interests of the rhetoricians.
- Crito(major)
- Socrates' contemporary and fellow citizen, a loyal friend who supports him during the trial. Father of Critobulus and willing to help pay any fine imposed on Socrates.
- Plato(major)
- Socrates' devoted student and the author of this account. Present at the trial as a supporter, willing to help guarantee payment of any fine.
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Plato. Platonis Apologia Socratis. Lex, lex-books.com/book/platonis-apologia-socratis-a12dd2bf-6f09-455d-b0de-3be3996a8410.Plato (1891). Platonis Apologia Socratis. Lex. https://lex-books.com/book/platonis-apologia-socratis-a12dd2bf-6f09-455d-b0de-3be3996a8410Plato. Platonis Apologia Socratis. Lex. https://lex-books.com/book/platonis-apologia-socratis-a12dd2bf-6f09-455d-b0de-3be3996a8410.
