Apology

Probably my favorite of Plato's Socratic dialogues, this apologia (defense) follows the Euthyphro and recounts the courtroom proceedings between Socrates and the indictments of Meletus to a large jury in democratic Athens. In addition to rendering Meletus' charges senseless, Socrates extols his love for wisdom and truth at all costs. He even states that a fear of death would be ignorant because it would be tantamount to purporting to know something one cannot know (here Socrates continues the jabs he takes at the Sophists). My favorite part, however, is his practical response when questioned why people like to spend time in his presence: because they love to see those who think they are wise cross-examined (i.e. exposed as actually show more ignorant). show less

Apology of Socrates, written by Plato, tells the story of the trial of his teacher, Socrates. The book describes how Socrates defends himself in court in Athens after he is accused of corrupting young people and not respecting the city’s gods.

The book reads almost like a courtroom conversation. Socrates explains why he spends his life questioning people and encouraging them to think about truth and wisdom. Instead of trying to make the jury feel sorry for him, he calmly explains his ideas and asks questions that reveal problems in the accusations against him. For example, when he questions his accuser, Meletus, he shows that the claims against him do not make much sense.

One of the most interesting things about Socrates is his way of show more thinking. He believes that true wisdom comes from understanding that we do not know everything. Because of this, he encourages people to question their beliefs and examine their lives. His famous idea that “the unexamined life is not worth living” shows how strongly he believes in thinking deeply about our actions and values.

The story also shows Socrates’ courage and honesty. Even though he is facing a possible death sentence, he refuses to change his beliefs or beg the court for mercy. He believes that searching for truth and encouraging others to think is more important than protecting himself.

Overall, Apology of Socrates is a short but powerful book. It introduces readers to important philosophical ideas about truth, wisdom, and personal responsibility. Through Plato’s writing, Socrates appears not only as a smart thinker but also as a brave person who stayed true to his principles. The book remains important today because it encourages readers to question ideas, think critically, and live thoughtful lives. show less

Bro is schizophrenic. He had a 3 children and a wife and didn’t think to escape or play nice. Instead went on. A schizophrenia-fuelled rant, called everyone an idiot, got plead guilty, still monologging, got plead to death, still monologging. I can’t tell if this is him chasing his purpose till the last minute or if he had brain damage from the war. Much respect though, definitely worth reading as this is the man who inspired 2000 years of western culture (also he convinced someone that a dog is a philosopher which I can’t get over

This was a little harder to read than Euthyphro. I had to read most pages once or twice, and I also listened to it on audio. The central idea seems to be the exploring the tension between justice and wisdom. It picks up after Euthyphro, with Socrates on trial for "corrupting the youth." But the legal accusations quickly change to Socrates behavior and conversations about God. Socrates essentially makes his defense by trying to show that he is being faithful to God by following a command from an Oracle to pursue wisdom, which manifests as asking questions, including even questioning the Gods themselves. The political tensions are very high as there has been recent wars and overthrowing of government. Socrates maintains that he did show more nothing wrong, and is simply exercising his speech. The Judge/jury vote to put Socrates to death.

Title: Apology
Series: Socratic Dialogue
Order:
Author/Editor: Plato
Note (Accolades):
Genre/Subject: Philosophy, Greek
Pages: 19
Owned/Platform: PDF
Excitement: 7
Rating: 6
How did I hear about it:
Finished: Yes
Read over the course of: A Week
Date Finished: Sun, Apr 6, 2025
Reason Finished:
Reason Dropped:
Expectations: Met
Pacing Feel: Just Right
Style: Academic
Worth My Time: Yes show less

Apología de Sócrates y Critón o el deber del ciudadano son dos diálogos fundamentales de Platón que presentan la figura de Sócrates en momentos cruciales de su vida.

Apología de Sócrates es el discurso de defensa de Sócrates ante el tribunal ateniense que lo acusa de corromper a la juventud y de impiedad. En este diálogo, Sócrates argumenta que su misión es cuestionar la sabiduría convencional y promover el pensamiento crítico, aceptando su condena con dignidad.

Critón muestra a Sócrates en prisión, donde su amigo Critón intenta convencerlo de escapar. Sócrates rechaza la propuesta, defendiendo la obediencia a las leyes y la importancia de actuar con justicia, incluso cuando las normas parecen injustas.

Socrates might just be trolling Athens...