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Apology: Socrates Defense
Apology is an incredible piece of historical literature that has influenced countless leaders, including Mohandas Gandhi. Originally written by Plato in approximately 400BC, Plato is replicating the defense of his mentor, Socrates, who was on trial for the charges of corrupting the young and for not believing in the gods for whom the State believed in.
For the most part, the essay is written as a first-person monologue, as if Socrates were speaking it himself; but occasionally the essay dips into a dialogue between Socrates and his accusers.
The essay, originally written in ancient Greek was translated into English by Benjamin Jowett. That version, however, is almost impossible to understand without stopping every sentence or two to look up word definitions, research metaphors or rearrange sentence structures to make sense of it all. So I have translated Jowett’s version into modern English to make it easier to understand and more accessible to the masses.
For the most part, the essay is written as a first-person monologue, as if Socrates were speaking it himself; but occasionally the essay dips into a dialogue between Socrates and his accusers.
The essay, originally written in ancient Greek was translated into English by Benjamin Jowett. That version, however, is almost impossible to understand without stopping every sentence or two to look up word definitions, research metaphors or rearrange sentence structures to make sense of it all. So I have translated Jowett’s version into modern English to make it easier to understand and more accessible to the masses.
- GenresPhilosophy
29 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 12, 2012
4 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
April 5, 2020
This read was tough for me. Here's why: I ordered a few philosophy books that were recommended by my favorite contemporary philosopher named Dr. Peter Kreeft. This book, Apology, was one of those recommendations.
Since Socrates is pretty much the first (or oldest) of the philosophers studied I decided to start with this book- not the best idea for me. I recommend reading this book after reading the Gorgias, The Consolation of Philosophy, and maybe a few other philosophy texts. I found myself watching youtube clips to help bring out the material in a more clearer light in reading the Apology.
Great book, I just didn't read it at the right time and may read the book down the road again.
Since Socrates is pretty much the first (or oldest) of the philosophers studied I decided to start with this book- not the best idea for me. I recommend reading this book after reading the Gorgias, The Consolation of Philosophy, and maybe a few other philosophy texts. I found myself watching youtube clips to help bring out the material in a more clearer light in reading the Apology.
Great book, I just didn't read it at the right time and may read the book down the road again.
January 13, 2024
Bom. Preciso ler novamente.
February 10, 2024
This shit is so funny. Socrates was a real one. RIP.
February 27, 2025
Socrates dabs all over that nerd Meletus but I can’t get down with him telling Crito that unjust laws should be upheld to maintain society.
January 20, 2025
I bought this book in a used bookstore in Curitiba while visiting family in Brazil. While wandering around, looking at the books on the shelves, I came across the "Defence of Socrates." I had already heard about the book and knew some of his famous quotes, so I decided to buy it.
To help me understand the text, I studied the book summary on the SparkNotes website before reading it. Sometimes I also consult Blinklist or some youtube videos.
There is a famous painting by French artist Jacques-Louis David's (currently located at The Metropolitan Museum of the Art in New York City, United States), painted in 1787, which depicts the "trial and execution of Socrates." In the center, a man wearing a toga with a calm and serene air contrasts with his disciple's and friends' anguished and tearful expressions. He raises his left hand in a bold gesture while receiving a bowl of hemlock - His posture suggests that he thinks of more important things than his death.
The Athenians accused him of not worshiping the gods recognized by the State, inventing new deities, and corrupting Athens's youth. So severe were the accusations that she was sentenced to death.
"Men of Athens, I honor and love you; but I shall obey God rather than you, and while I have life and strength, I shall never cease from the practice and teaching of philosophy... Understand that I shall never alter my ways, not even if I have to die many times."
― Plato, Apology
When he spoke these words, Socrates was convinced of the importance of remaining authentic and genuine to his principles. He would never stop practicing and teaching philosophy, such was his dedication to the pursuit of truth and wisdom. He would follow the truth wherever it led him, even if it meant his death.
"the unexamined life is not worth living."
― Plato, Apology
He believed that societies could be protected by examining thoughts and beliefs and being willing to stand up for what they believed.
"I am that gadfly which God has attached to the State, and all day long …arousing and persuading and reproaching…You will not easily find another like me."
― Plato, Apology
He compares himself to a fly that stings a lazy horse, a metaphor he uses to represent the State. He asserts that the State is liable to fall into a deep sleep without it. Still, it may be roused to productive and virtuous action through its influence. Irritating as it may be to some, it can also stir citizens to question their beliefs and seek the truth.
Considering the book was written more than 2000 years ago, many customs, beliefs, and moral principles may seem strange and outdated to the modern citizen. However, we can always learn a bit more about people's thoughts and better understand their culture and customs.
Socrates's wisdom has never been more needed than now. Democracies around the world are being attacked by populist and fascist politicians who use lies as weapons.
"The ideal subject of the totalitarian regime is neither the Nazi nor the staunch communist, but the one for whom the distinction between fact and fiction (i.e., the reality of experience) and the difference between true and false (i.e., thought patterns) no longer exist. - Hannah Arendt
In a society where it is increasingly difficult to distinguish between facts and fiction, Socrates believed in the importance of seeking reliable sources and relying on philosophy. This reflects his belief in individual conscience and seeking knowledge and wisdom.
To help me understand the text, I studied the book summary on the SparkNotes website before reading it. Sometimes I also consult Blinklist or some youtube videos.
There is a famous painting by French artist Jacques-Louis David's (currently located at The Metropolitan Museum of the Art in New York City, United States), painted in 1787, which depicts the "trial and execution of Socrates." In the center, a man wearing a toga with a calm and serene air contrasts with his disciple's and friends' anguished and tearful expressions. He raises his left hand in a bold gesture while receiving a bowl of hemlock - His posture suggests that he thinks of more important things than his death.
The Athenians accused him of not worshiping the gods recognized by the State, inventing new deities, and corrupting Athens's youth. So severe were the accusations that she was sentenced to death.
"Men of Athens, I honor and love you; but I shall obey God rather than you, and while I have life and strength, I shall never cease from the practice and teaching of philosophy... Understand that I shall never alter my ways, not even if I have to die many times."
― Plato, Apology
When he spoke these words, Socrates was convinced of the importance of remaining authentic and genuine to his principles. He would never stop practicing and teaching philosophy, such was his dedication to the pursuit of truth and wisdom. He would follow the truth wherever it led him, even if it meant his death.
"the unexamined life is not worth living."
― Plato, Apology
He believed that societies could be protected by examining thoughts and beliefs and being willing to stand up for what they believed.
"I am that gadfly which God has attached to the State, and all day long …arousing and persuading and reproaching…You will not easily find another like me."
― Plato, Apology
He compares himself to a fly that stings a lazy horse, a metaphor he uses to represent the State. He asserts that the State is liable to fall into a deep sleep without it. Still, it may be roused to productive and virtuous action through its influence. Irritating as it may be to some, it can also stir citizens to question their beliefs and seek the truth.
Considering the book was written more than 2000 years ago, many customs, beliefs, and moral principles may seem strange and outdated to the modern citizen. However, we can always learn a bit more about people's thoughts and better understand their culture and customs.
Socrates's wisdom has never been more needed than now. Democracies around the world are being attacked by populist and fascist politicians who use lies as weapons.
"The ideal subject of the totalitarian regime is neither the Nazi nor the staunch communist, but the one for whom the distinction between fact and fiction (i.e., the reality of experience) and the difference between true and false (i.e., thought patterns) no longer exist. - Hannah Arendt
In a society where it is increasingly difficult to distinguish between facts and fiction, Socrates believed in the importance of seeking reliable sources and relying on philosophy. This reflects his belief in individual conscience and seeking knowledge and wisdom.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews