Apology of Socrates Flashcards
What does ‘Apologia’ mean in the context of Socrates’ defense?
‘I am not wrong’-> Socrates was defending himself
Today: “I admit a wrongdoing and I am asking forgiveness”
Today it means that ‘I admit a wrongdoing and I am asking for forgiveness.’
Who are the old accusers of Socrates?
Led by Aristophanes
Aristophanes is a comedian who made Socrates look bad in his comic ‘The Clouds.’
Who are the new accusers of Socrates?
Led by Meletus and influenced by the old accusers
What is the main argument Socrates uses against Meletus?
The new accusers have learned about him from the reputation gained from Aristophanes’ comic portrayal
What does Socrates mean by ‘it takes a village to raise a child’?
The city is the great sophist
How does Socrates suggest young citizens are educated?
By the laws, which are made by legislators classified as citizens
What is Socrates’ view on punishment?
Punishment should be abolished because it cannot be justified
What does Socrates propose as a replacement for punishment?
Education
According to Socrates, what motivates human behavior?
Prudence
What is the karma principle as described by Socrates?
No one can voluntarily harm another without harming themselves
What is Socrates’ stance on atheism?
He believes he is not an atheist; there is divinity but disagreement on its nature
What institution did Socrates found?
The Thinkery
What subjects does Socrates teach at the Thinkery?
- Rhetoric
- Physics
How does Socrates define rhetoric?
Knowing how to use speech to persuade
What is the significance of the animal analogy in Socratic thought?
A sophist is like a horse trainer who teaches humans how to live
What does Socrates claim about the wisdom of politicians and poets?
They are ignorant and cannot explain what inspires their work
What is human wisdom according to Socrates?
Self-knowledge of one’s own ignorance
What does Socrates say about fear of death?
If you can’t know about death, there is nothing to fear
What are the two speculations Socrates makes about death?
- It’s a sleep that you cannot wake up from
- He gets to examine the opinions of all philosophers who came before him
What is the divine voice (Damonia) in Socratic philosophy?
It doesn’t speak unless he is about to do something foolish
