Apology of Socrates: Plato (New Modern English Translation by Comprehendible Classics)

by Plato, Comprehendible Classics (translator)

Effortlessly immerse yourself in this classic gem thanks to our brand new modern English translation.

The ancient Greek dialogue "Apology of Socrates" engages with profound concepts such as independent thinking, truth, wisdom, free speech, morality, and the role of government - with conclusions that are as relevant today as they were then.

At the heart of this dialogue stands one of history's greatest thinkers, Socrates. During his lifetime, he earned a devoted following for his thought-provoking questions and relentless pursuit of truth. His unwavering (and, to some, provocative) approach however eventually got him into trouble.

In 399 BCE, he faced trial, accused of disrespecting the gods and corrupting the youth - a pivotal moment recounted in this dialogue penned by his student Plato.

Despite the title's suggestion, Socrates doesn't offer an apology in the modern sense. Instead, the Greek term "apologia" signifies a defense or justification, and within these pages, you'll find Socrates passionately defending his way of life, unwavering in the face of potential consequences.


This is a brand new 2023 translation by Comprehendible Classics. We are on a mission to breathe new life into cherished literary masterpieces, making them easily understood and enjoyable to the modern reader. Our translations offer contemporary grammar and modern vocabulary, but carefully preserves the essence and integrity of the original work.

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56 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 28, 2023

About the author

Plato (Greek: Πλάτων), born Aristocles (c. 427 – 348 BC), was an ancient Greek philosopher of the Classical period who is considered a foundational thinker in Western philosophy and an innovator of the written dialogue and dialectic forms. He raised problems for what became all the major areas of both theoretical philosophy and practical philosophy, and was the founder of the Platonic Academy, a philosophical school in Athens where Plato taught the doctrines that would later become known as Platonism.
Plato's most famous contribution is the theory of forms (or ideas), which has been interpreted as advancing a solution to what is now known as the problem of universals. He was decisively influenced by the pre-Socratic thinkers Pythagoras, Heraclitus, and Parmenides, although much of what is known about them is derived from Plato himself.
Along with his teacher Socrates, and Aristotle, his student, Plato is a central figure in the history of philosophy. Plato's entire body of work is believed to have survived intact for over 2,400 years—unlike that of nearly all of his contemporaries. Although their popularity has fluctuated, they have consistently been read and studied through the ages. Through Neoplatonism, he also greatly influenced both Christian and Islamic philosophy. In modern times, Alfred North Whitehead famously said: "the safest general characterization of the European philosophical tradition is that it consists of a series of footnotes to Plato."

Reviews

[Sean Hendricks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read the penn state electronic classic version.

[Arkrayder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Apology of Socrates, written by Plato, tells the story of the trial of his teacher, Socrates. The book describes how Socrates defends himself in court in Athens after he is accused of corrupting young people and not respecting the city’s gods.

The book reads almost like a courtroom conversation. Socrates explains why he spends his life questioning people and encouraging them to think about truth and wisdom. Instead of trying to make the jury feel sorry for him, he calmly explains his ideas and asks questions that reveal problems in the accusations against him. For example, when he questions his accuser, Meletus, he shows that the claims against him do not make much sense.

One of the most interesting things about Socrates is his way of thinking. He believes that true wisdom comes from understanding that we do not know everything. Because of this, he encourages people to question their beliefs and examine their lives. His famous idea that “the unexamined life is not worth living” shows how strongly he believes in thinking deeply about our actions and values.

The story also shows Socrates’ courage and honesty. Even though he is facing a possible death sentence, he refuses to change his beliefs or beg the court for mercy. He believes that searching for truth and encouraging others to think is more important than protecting himself.

Overall, Apology of Socrates is a short but powerful book. It introduces readers to important philosophical ideas about truth, wisdom, and personal responsibility. Through Plato’s writing, Socrates appears not only as a smart thinker but also as a brave person who stayed true to his principles. The book remains important today because it encourages readers to question ideas, think critically, and live thoughtful lives.

[Cheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, concise and easy to understand. I can't speak to the version as it's the only one I've read but I'm new to philosophy! The end (I probably don't need to spoiler it!) took my heart a little. I'll read other translations to see how they compare, but this was a good "beginner" text!

[Joseph Randazzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the line that will stick with me: "My sole mission is to persuade all of you, both young and old, to prioritize the improvement of your souls above all else, rather than focusing solely on your physical well-being or material wealth."

[Mei Gechlik · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read!!

This excellent edition brings Socrates’s wise words to many in today’s world. We all should reflect upon these wise words!!