PSCI 2301 Chapter Notes - Chapter 1: Irony, Socratic Method, Meletus
8 Apr 2018
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The apology of socrates is the speech socrates makes at the trial in which he is charged with not recognizing the gods recognized by the state, inventing new deities, and corrupting the youth of athens. Socrates" speech, however, is by no means an apology in our modern understanding of the word. The name of the dialogue derives from the greek apologia, which translates as a defense, or a speech made in defense. Thus, in the apology, socrates attempts to defend himself and his conduct--certainly not to apologize for it. For the most part, socrates speaks in a very plain, conversational manner. He explains that he has no experience with the law courts and that he will instead speak in the manner to which he is accustomed: with honesty and directness. He explains that his behavior stems from a prophecy by the oracle at delphi which claimed that he was the wisest of all men.
