Introduction to Plato's "Apology"

Paper Summary:

This paper expounds on the main themes in the introduction to Plato's "Apology". The paper looks at Plato's discussion of the irony Socrates used in his defense arguments at his trial, at Plato's discussion of Socrates's use of the Socratic method of teaching at his trial, and at Plato's discussion of Socrates's strategy of questioning the fundamental validity of his trial itself, rather than putting on a vigorous defense of his actions.

From the Paper:

"The main themes of Plato's Apology are the great irony of many of Socrates' claims, his use of the Socratic method of teaching, and his surprising strategy of questioning the fundamental validity of his trial itself, rather than putting on a vigorous and elegant defense of his actions as was expected by both his supporters and detractors, and likely by the people of the jury. Plato's Apology is a detailed account of the 399 BC trial of the great philosopher Socrates, in which Socrates was on trial for his life after being accused by Meletus, an ambitious young Athenian, and others of the upper class of being "a doer of evil, and corrupter of the youth, and he does not believe in the gods of the state, and has other new divinities of his own" (Plato, Apology). Ultimately, Socrates' defense led to his death, by his own hand, and the silencing of one of the world's greatest intellectuals, making Socrates a martyr to the cause of intellectual freedom."

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