Plato and Socrates Anthology
Socrates Anthology and Plato
Plato:
I: Apology
1. What are the charges brought against Socrates by his Athenian accusers and what is his reply concerning the sort of wisdom he in fact possesses?
The charges that were brought against Socrates were corrupting the young and Impiety. Socrates says “If you ask me what kind of wisdom, I reply, wisdom such as may perhaps be attained by man, for to that extent I am inclined to believe that I am wise; Whereas the persons of whom I was speaking have a superhuman wisdom, which I may fail to describe, because I have it not myself; and he who says that I have Speaks falsely and is taking away my character” (Pg 5).
2. What does Socrates say is his greatest service to the city?
Socrates said that his greatest service to Athens was teaching the youth and anyone who would listen to him about his beliefs.
3. What fate is worse than death for Socrates?
Socrates said that exile and not being able to teach philosophy would be worse than death for him.
4. What prophetic statement does Socrates make to his accusers?
Socrates tells his accusers “And I prophesy to you who are my murderers, that immediately after my departure punishment far heavier than you have inflicted on me will surely await you” (pg 17).
5. What are the two arguments Socrates gives to his friends for why one should not fear death? Are they convincing?
Socrates first argument is that death is either “a state of nothingness and utter unconscious, or, as men say there is a change and migration of the soul from this world to another” (pg 17). I definitely agree with his arguments, they make sense. I also think that people are always going to fear death at one point in their life. It is a scary thought that you are never going to live again.
II. Crito:
1. Concerning his escape, what does Socrates say about listening to the opinion of the many?
Socrates asks Crito why they should care about the opinion of many. “Good men, and they are the only
Plato:
I: Apology
1. What are the charges brought against Socrates by his Athenian accusers and what is his reply concerning the sort of wisdom he in fact possesses?
The charges that were brought against Socrates were corrupting the young and Impiety. Socrates says “If you ask me what kind of wisdom, I reply, wisdom such as may perhaps be attained by man, for to that extent I am inclined to believe that I am wise; Whereas the persons of whom I was speaking have a superhuman wisdom, which I may fail to describe, because I have it not myself; and he who says that I have Speaks falsely and is taking away my character” (Pg 5).
2. What does Socrates say is his greatest service to the city?
Socrates said that his greatest service to Athens was teaching the youth and anyone who would listen to him about his beliefs.
3. What fate is worse than death for Socrates?
Socrates said that exile and not being able to teach philosophy would be worse than death for him.
4. What prophetic statement does Socrates make to his accusers?
Socrates tells his accusers “And I prophesy to you who are my murderers, that immediately after my departure punishment far heavier than you have inflicted on me will surely await you” (pg 17).
5. What are the two arguments Socrates gives to his friends for why one should not fear death? Are they convincing?
Socrates first argument is that death is either “a state of nothingness and utter unconscious, or, as men say there is a change and migration of the soul from this world to another” (pg 17). I definitely agree with his arguments, they make sense. I also think that people are always going to fear death at one point in their life. It is a scary thought that you are never going to live again.
II. Crito:
1. Concerning his escape, what does Socrates say about listening to the opinion of the many?
Socrates asks Crito why they should care about the opinion of many. “Good men, and they are the only