Outline of Plato’s Apology and questions to consider

Outline

17a-18a Introduction and the charges against Socrates

19a-24b The old charges and Aristophanes and Socrates’ wisdom

24b-27e Defense against Meletus

28a-34b Philosophy, death and education

34c35d Concludes his speech and rejects pity

35e-38b Socrates suggests two possible penalties

38c-end Conclusion

Why reason does Socrates give for his inability to defend himself in the typical manner of an Athenian trial?

What are the old charges against Socrates? Who is most responsible for the old charges?

What sort of wisdom does Socrates claim to possess? What is the source of his wisdom?

What are the official charges against Socrates? How does he defend himself against those charges?

What is Socrates’ reason for claiming that he is a blessing to the city?

What is Socrates’ view of death?

What is philosophy according to Socrates?

How is his view of death connected to his view of philosophy?

Is Socrates guilty of the charges against him?

Is philosophy a threat to the city?