Socrates' (469 BCE - 399 BCE) Apologia ( or "defense") Discussion Questions.

We are interested in this work for a variety of reasons, all rooted in the fact that it highly influenced Western thinking.  We are interested in how the philosophical tradition grows out of older Greek culture and how it paves the way for the entrance of Christian tradition from the Middle East into Europe.

What crimes has been Socrates been accused of committing?

What, according to Socrates, is wisdom?

What did Socrates believe "the god" had given him the task of doing?

Rather than cultivating our material wealth, Socrates believes we should cultivate what?

Looking Back:

In what ways does Socrates seem to grow out of traditions found in the Greek epics like the Iliad and Odyssey?  How does this text relate to Achilles' relationship to his community/peers etc.?

Looking Forward:

In what ways does Socrates' defense parallel the story of Christ's life, teachings and crucifixion?

Essentially, Socrates is killed for questioning his culture's most basic beliefs and values.  Can you think of more modern examples of this happening? 

Where do we draw the line: at what point is a society justified killing its Socratic questioners;  is the quest for truth always an inherent good (as Plato implies in his treatment of Socrates), or are there points at which social cohesion is more important?  Are there values we should not question?