PART II: A Philosophic Basis of a Polis
[The Socratic Dilemma]
Session 5
- Topics: The Corruption of the Polis: Socrates as Gadfly
- Reading: Plato, "The Apology"
- In the opening of “the Apology,” how does Socrates contrast his form of speech with that of his accusers? How does the “Socratic method,” “irony,” etc. function in his approach?
- What are the two primary charges against Socrates? How does Socrates distinguish between his accusers? How does Socrates explain the popular prejudices against him within the city?
- How does Socrates reply to the first charge? Why did people think he was guilty?
- How does Socrates reply to the second charge? Why did his accusers think he was guilty? How did Socrates respond?
- Which charge does Socrates think will be harder to refute? Why?
- How does Socrates reconcile the account given at the “Oracle at Delphi” that he was the “wisest man in Athens” with his personal claim of “ignorance?” Why is this interpretation significant?
- Why does Socrates refer to himself as a “gadfly?” In what ways does he believe the practice of philosophy benefit both the individual and the state?
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