Philo DP # 8 – The Apology (You Pick)
Choose and answer a question from section 4 of the questions list.
Please (you must!) include the question text in your discussion post!
(if you answer two question for section 4 this week, they must be different questions)
Section 4:
By what means does Socrates attempt to investigate the world? What are his methods? How does these methods reflect a commitment to critical thinking, if at all?
In the Apology, we read that Socrates prefers death to acting unjustly. Why? Is this a standard we should hold ourselves to? Why or why not?
In the Apology, Socrates maintains that “the unexamined life is not worth living.” And yet it seems to be the case that many – if not most – human beings live their lives without ever spending any time reflecting on the meaning and purpose of their lives. What are the implications of Socrates’ position? Why do you think he felt it was so important to be able to critically examine one’s life?
Socrates argues that the person who knows how little they know is wiser than the one who thinks she knows it all. Explain his argument/position. Does this position make any sense? Why or why not?
In the Apology, Socrates argues that the good person need not fear death. What is his argument(s)? Do you think that this is true? Why or why not?
What does Socrates take to be the meaning of the Delphic oracle? What distinction in wisdom/knowledge (are there different kinds?) does he draw? What is human wisdom, according to Socrates? What do you consider to be human wisdom? Do you agree with Socrates (explain why or why not)?
Why has Socrates avoided public office? How could we say that even though he is not part of politics, he is still “political”? -Please give examples of your own on how someone can be political and not take part in politics to help make your point-
Why does Socrates not appeal to the Assembly for mercy? How would this undermine his commitment to being a critical thinker?
Why does Socrates believe that the unexamined life is not worth living? What constitutes human virtue/good, according to Socrates? What is the relationship between human virtue and human happiness, on his view? Does this make sense to you? Why or why not?
In the Apology, Socrates claims that “[t]he true champion of justice, if he intends to survive even for a short time, must necessarily confine himself to private life and leave politics alone.” What does he mean by this? Do you agree with Socrates here? Is this true in some sorts of societies in particular? Is it true in the USA today? (Maybe read “survive” in not so literal a fashion.)
Why does Socrates think that the Athenians would be harming themselves rather than harming Socrates if they put him to death? What service has he provided the city of Athens by philosophizing there?
Do you think Socrates is wise to disregard the possibility that he may die if he does not please the court?
How does Socrates interpret the pronouncement of the Oracle of Delphi that no one is wiser than he? Do you think that the sort of wisdom he claims to possess is really wisdom? How does he use the realization from the Oracle to defend himself against the charge of impiety?
What is Socrates’ argument for the claim that it is impossible that he corrupts the young willingly? Is his argument convincing? Why or why not?
Socrates says that he cannot be held responsible for the conduct of those who have talked with him or heard him speak. Why not? Do you agree? Please give parallel modern-day examples that help make your point.