20. Plato - The Apology
The dialogues of Plato.
Description
|
Wk |
Topic |
|
1 |
Meditation. The chief aim of your life. |
|
2 |
Introduction to ‘The Apology’. An unexamined life is not worth living. |
|
3 |
Socrates’ accusers have just spoken and now Socrates gives his “apologia”, his defence speech. |
|
4 |
Socrates speaks of what caused his bad reputation. |
|
5 |
Socrates concludes his reply to his old accusers and describes how his young followers have added to his bad reputation. |
|
6 |
Socrates’ cross-examination of Meletus continues; he responds to the second part of charge that states he is “guilty of…believing in supernatural things of his own invention instead of the gods recognized by the State. |
|
7 |
Socrates’ stance at his trial reflects his stance throughout his life. Much of the tone is informal with several hypothetical conversations. |
|
8 |
More pleas for silence. Socrates speaks of his mission to rouse the Athenians which he carried out in private and of his avoidance of political arena. He gives two instances of the dangers he met when he did take part in public life. |
|
9 |
Socrates repeats his denial that he is a teacher. He points out that there are no witnesses to the corruption charge. He then speaks about court practices in Athens which make a sham of justice. |
|
10 |
Socrates is found guilty. The vote is 280 to 220 (or 221). Meletus proposed the death penalty but Socrates has the right to propose an alternative penalty which in turn is voted on by the jury. |
|
11 |
Now an increased majority, over two thirds, of the jurors vote for the death penalty rather than a fine. Clearly Socrates’ counter assessment of the penalty was not received favourably. |
Prerequisites
Students need to have been introduced to the Practice of Meditation through the School of Philosophy
|
Wk |
|
|
1 |
Meditation. The chief aim of your life. |
|
2 |
Introduction to ‘The Apology’. An unexamined life is not worth living. |
|
3 |
Socrates’ accusers have just spoken and now Socrates gives his “apologia”, his defence speech. |
|
4 |
Socrates speaks of what caused his bad reputation. |
|
5 |
Socrates concludes his reply to his old accusers and describes how his young followers have added to his bad reputation. |
|
6 |
Socrates’ cross-examination of Meletus continues; he responds to the second part of charge that states he is “guilty of…believing in supernatural things of his own invention instead of the gods recognized by the State. |
|
7 |
Socrates’ stance at his trial reflects his stance throughout his life. Much of the tone is informal with several hypothetical conversations. |
|
8 |
More pleas for silence. Socrates speaks of his mission to rouse the Athenians which he carried out in private and of his avoidance of political arena. He gives two instances of the dangers he met when he did take part in public life. |
|
9 |
Socrates repeats his denial that he is a teacher. He points out that there are no witnesses to the corruption charge. He then speaks about court practices in Athens which make a sham of justice. |
|
10 |
Socrates is found guilty. The vote is 280 to 220 (or 221). Meletus proposed the death penalty but Socrates has the right to propose an alternative penalty which in turn is voted on by the jury. |
|
11 |
Now an increased majority, over two thirds, of the jurors vote for the death penalty rather than a fine. Clearly Socrates’ counter assessment of the penalty was not received favourably. |