Emma Quillen Philosophy 101 Gandolfo 8:30 January 22, 2012 Summary and Analysis of Platos The Apology

Socrates stands before a jury composed of the citizens of Athens and begins to speak. First, he applauds his accuser, saying that he himself was compelled to believe their conjectures. Then, he begins his counter to their argument by saying that their exhilarating statements are false. He sets up his speech with a few simple warnings. First, he will not attempt to stylize and add excitement to his speech in an attempt to please the emotions of the jury. Next, he will not try to sway their opinions because he knows that the jury is composed of men who have either disliked him in the past or men who dislike him now. Last, he warns the court that he is seventy years old, inexperienced with the court process, and therefore will not give an eloquent argument. Socrates speech is more eloquent than he might have guessed. He starts his defense with intentions of defending himself against his earliest accusers and disapprovers. He smoothly and clearly discusses his lack of affiliation with illegal matters, corruption, or slander. He provides the court with names that would testify in his name if given the chance. He discusses his journey to find knowledge, specifically stating that he met with individuals of every intellectual field. Politicians, writers, poets, craftsmen, and more were involved in his quest for knowledge. Next, Socrates refutes Meletus accusations of his role in corrupting the Athenian youth, noting that his followers do so by their own will. Because he lives in utter poverty, he has nothing to give his followers and offers no incentive other than new knowledge and questioning of believed truths. Socrates intelligently attacks Meletus,

questioning repeatedly about who corrupts the youth if he himself is not the sole cause of corruption. Through repeated questioning, Socrates causes Meletus to unknowingly charge him with complete responsibility for corruption of the youth in Athens. Once he acknowledges that Meletus charges him with the role of all corruption, he asks Meletus if he believes that Socrates did so knowingly. Further, he asks if Meletus charges him with intentionally misleading all of his followers and all of society. Upon receiving Meletus agreement, Socrates explains that it is deductible that by intentionally negatively affecting all of his followers and all of society, he is intentionally hurting himself. Then, Socrates addresses death. It is easy to assume that the penalty for his accused crimes will be the death penalty. In the case that Socrates was merely interested in hurting society rather than gaining philosophical knowledge of the unknown, he would certainly abandon his beliefs in order to live. But, he explains, his life has been devoted to the unknown. In death lies a state of complete uncertainty and unknowing. For Socrates to abandon his beliefs to escape death would prove that his beliefs were merely a mechanism to hurt society. He says that he does not need to fear death, but that it is imperative that his accusers do fear it. In putting Socrates to death, they are only condemning themselves. The jury votes on Socrates fate and states its decision. Socrates has been charged guilty of Meletus accusations. But, as Socrates hears this, his is surprised. Not, as one would expect, by the jurys decision, but by how close the decision was. By about 30 votes, Socrates was condemned. In this, he finds solace. He explains to the jury that he feels as if he has been exonerated because the number of votes for his acquittal is so large. Meletus tells the jury that he proposes Socrates be put to death. Socrates gives his

counter-assessment. Because he chose to live a life of poverty, free from material items and excess, he feels that there is no just punishment but to feed him lavish, but unwanted meals in the rich places in Athens. He mocks the jury, saying that the death penalty is not bad because it is unknown, and, therefore, would provide him with another step in his lifes journey. Finally, he haphazardly suggests that his punishment be a fee. The jury votes upon Socrates punishment and Meletus proposal is chosen. In a few final words, Socrates prophesies that horrible retribution will come to those who have voted for his death. Not only this, but also a commemoration by future generations for killing a wise, good man. He ends his address to the jury saying that his destiny is death; theirs is ephemeral life. Until the jury someday inevitably joins him in death, it is impossible for them to know who was really punished that day and who was acquitted.