An Analysis of Plato's Apology
Philosophy 101
Fall 2014
Brenda Larsen
Plato’s Apology Analysis Assignment
Re-read, study, analyze Socrates’ cross-examination of Meletus, Socrates’ prosecutor. This section of the Apology that you need to study is at the end of this assignment. You will need to study it to answer the questions.
1. Paraphrase (in your own words) Socrates’ argument about why the idea of deliberate corruption is incoherent.
2. Is this the reasoning of a man who cares about children?
3. Do you agree that he corrupted unintentionally or not at all?
4. Does Socrates believe his own conclusion, that corruption/injury is always unintentional?
5. How may young people be corrupted? Consider the ways: intellectually, emotionally, morally, bodily, etc. Think and cite specific examples.
6. Is it true that corrupted people can be counted on to injure others? Think about this!
Ideas for further reflection:
7. Consider Socrates’ doctrines expressed in his Apology:
a. Death – that is one of two things and both are preferable to life
b. Seeking knowledge - that it is a waste of time because only god knows the important things
c. Family- that it may be neglected for more important matters
d. Money – that he has never cared about it and hopes Athenians will punish his sons if they appear to care about it
e. Honor – people worry too much about it
f. Civic involvement – it is risky for honorable people
Are these good doctrines for the ears of young people about to start out on their lives?
This part of the dialog shows up on pages 6-8 of the link to Plato’s Apology with Instructor comments (Week 4):
Socrates turns the tables on his prosecutor:
And now, Meletus, I will ask you another question—by Zeus I will: Which is better, to live among bad citizens, or among good ones? Answer, friend, I say; the question is one which may be easily answered. Do not the good do their neighbours good, and the bad do them evil? (Think about “neighbors!” Are they just fellow citizens?)
Fall 2014
Brenda Larsen
Plato’s Apology Analysis Assignment
Re-read, study, analyze Socrates’ cross-examination of Meletus, Socrates’ prosecutor. This section of the Apology that you need to study is at the end of this assignment. You will need to study it to answer the questions.
1. Paraphrase (in your own words) Socrates’ argument about why the idea of deliberate corruption is incoherent.
2. Is this the reasoning of a man who cares about children?
3. Do you agree that he corrupted unintentionally or not at all?
4. Does Socrates believe his own conclusion, that corruption/injury is always unintentional?
5. How may young people be corrupted? Consider the ways: intellectually, emotionally, morally, bodily, etc. Think and cite specific examples.
6. Is it true that corrupted people can be counted on to injure others? Think about this!
Ideas for further reflection:
7. Consider Socrates’ doctrines expressed in his Apology:
a. Death – that is one of two things and both are preferable to life
b. Seeking knowledge - that it is a waste of time because only god knows the important things
c. Family- that it may be neglected for more important matters
d. Money – that he has never cared about it and hopes Athenians will punish his sons if they appear to care about it
e. Honor – people worry too much about it
f. Civic involvement – it is risky for honorable people
Are these good doctrines for the ears of young people about to start out on their lives?
This part of the dialog shows up on pages 6-8 of the link to Plato’s Apology with Instructor comments (Week 4):
Socrates turns the tables on his prosecutor:
And now, Meletus, I will ask you another question—by Zeus I will: Which is better, to live among bad citizens, or among good ones? Answer, friend, I say; the question is one which may be easily answered. Do not the good do their neighbours good, and the bad do them evil? (Think about “neighbors!” Are they just fellow citizens?)