Plato's The Trial and Death of Socrates Study Guides

Study Questions

1. In The Apology Socrates presents his defense to a jury of his peers. One scholar suggests that a trial by jury in 5th C. Athens was quite different from our current judicial system. Compare and contrast these two systems and cite evidence in the text to support the narrator's thesis.

2. On page 70 of the dialogue Phaedo, Socrates asks: "Do we know absolute equality prior to seeing it for the first time?" he goes on to suggest that knowledge is simply recollection. Discuss the meaning of the question and support or defend your response to this inquiry.

3. On page 80 Socrates begins a long discourse on the reincarnation of the soul. Discuss his reasoning and summarize his argument for the continuance of the soul after death.

4. Why does Socrates accept the penalty of death rather than recant his transgressions? Use supporting evidence from the text.

5. If you were a defense attorney (and if 5th Century Athens allowed such a thing), how would you defend Socrates and cross-examine his accusers? (see The Apology)

6. On pages 107-112, Socrates begins a discussion of the universe and specifically describes the earth, and specifically describes the earth, its rivers and oceans, depths and heavens. Compare his dexriptions and theories to what we now know of the geology, oceanography, and astronomy of our planet and universer. Does Socrates have is right?

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Last update: 08-12-02