The Apology Analytical Summary In The Apology, Socrates defends his teachings as a philosopher. Socrates is taken to trial by Meletus because he did not recognize the gods that were distinguished by the state, for inventing new idols that were not these gods, and allegedly corrupting the Athens youth. Although the word “Apology” is used in the title, Socrates was in no way apologizing for his beliefs. In fact, he was actually defending himself and his teachings. Socrates claimed that his behavior was due to the oracle at Delphi that clamed he was the wisest man in the world. This brings up the first theme: irony. Throughout the passages, Socrates passes his wisdom with his wit. He believes that he is in better standing if he knows less than
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Realism is a huge part of politics today. Socrates is, in a way, quite parsimonious. He explains the most with the least amount of information. He also sometimes neglects important issues. He only talked and identified what people thought he knew. Socrates asserted that he is wise only because he knows that he essentially knows nothing. Another theme and political issue is the idea of wisdom. When looking at Socrates, we realize he is a man full of wisdom. He was a philosopher and teacher. That leaves us with the question of whether or not we want our leaders in America such as our presidential candidates to have their own substantial form of wisdom. Is that important? And is it something we look for in a candidate? Is being elite important, or would we rather have someone leading us that we could sit down and have a beer with as our leader?
Discussion questions for the class:
1) What do you think Socrates thinks of religion? The reason he is on trial is for not recognizing the gods; however, he mentions his supernatural sign and it being possible for life after death. Was Socrates truly sinning?
2) Can we really believe everything that Socrates said? His speech was completely ironic in that he mentions that he is wise only because he knows nothing. Do you think the irony was a tactic to allow the jury to engage
Realism is a huge part of politics today. Socrates is, in a way, quite parsimonious. He explains the most with the least amount of information. He also sometimes neglects important issues. He only talked and identified what people thought he knew. Socrates asserted that he is wise only because he knows that he essentially knows nothing. Another theme and political issue is the idea of wisdom. When looking at Socrates, we realize he is a man full of wisdom. He was a philosopher and teacher. That leaves us with the question of whether or not we want our leaders in America such as our presidential candidates to have their own substantial form of wisdom. Is that important? And is it something we look for in a candidate? Is being elite important, or would we rather have someone leading us that we could sit down and have a beer with as our leader?
Discussion questions for the class:
1) What do you think Socrates thinks of religion? The reason he is on trial is for not recognizing the gods; however, he mentions his supernatural sign and it being possible for life after death. Was Socrates truly sinning?
2) Can we really believe everything that Socrates said? His speech was completely ironic in that he mentions that he is wise only because he knows nothing. Do you think the irony was a tactic to allow the jury to engage