The Apology of Socrates: Key Facts and Historical Context

1. The Apology of Socrates: Historical Context

• 1. During which period of his life did Plato write The Apology of Socrates? A: His youth.
• 2. How does the Apology begin? A: It begins with a greeting to the Athenians.
• 3. Does Socrates show enthusiasm against the Sophists in the Apology? A: Yes, he casts off the sophistic movement.
• 4. Who defended the accused in Athenian trials during the Age of Socrates? A: The accused defended themselves.
• 5. How many people constituted the tribunal that decided Socrates' fate? A: 500.
• 6. How soon was the sentence to be delivered? A: Within 24 hours.
• 7. Where was the parliament located in the time of Socrates? A: The parliament stood in the Agora.
• 8. Diogenes Laertius notes that Socrates was known for his intense debating style. What did he do during heated arguments? A: He would deliver strong raps.
• 9. Did Socrates accept the defense speech written by the logographer Lysias? A: No, he politely turned it away.
• 10. Who were the official accusers of Socrates? A: Anytus, Meletus, and Lycon.
• 11. What were the professions of Socrates' accusers? A: Poets, artisans, politicians, and speakers.
• 12. Was it believed in Athens that Socrates had a past as a skeptical philosopher? A: Yes, he had a philosophical past.
• 13. What were the water clocks used to measure time during the trial called? A: Clepsydrae (hourglasses).
• 14. What was Meletus' profession? A: He was a poet.
• 15. Which comedy by Aristophanes mocks Socrates? A: The Clouds.
• 16. Name five representatives of the Greek Sophist movement. A: Protagoras, Gorgias, Prodicus, Hippias, and Evenus.
• 17. What was the specialty of the Sophist Prodicus, as mentioned by Socrates? A: Arguments based on the nuances of words (synonyms).
• 18. Which two dialogues did Plato name after the Sophist Hippias of Elis? A: Hippias Major and Hippias Minor.
• 19. What reasons does Socrates give for being brought to the dock? A: The envy aroused by his actions in the polis and his differing conception of traditional Greek ethical and political values.
• 20. Whom did Chaerephon consult regarding Socrates? A: The Oracle of Delphi.
• 21. How did Socrates attempt to resolve the Oracle's claim that he was the wisest man? A: He decided to question the politicians, poets, and artisans.
• 22. How did Socrates compare his investigation to previous work? A: He compared it to the work of Heracles.