The Apology of Socrates by Xenophon
The Apology of Socrates is a Socratic dialogue written by Xenophon, a student of Socrates. It is a defense of Socrates’ life and character, as he faces charges of impiety and corrupting the youth of Athens. The dialogue begins with Socrates addressing the court, defending himself against the accusations. He argues that he has done nothing wrong and that his accusers are motivated by envy and malice. He then goes on to explain his philosophy of life, which is based on the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom. He also explains his belief in the gods and his commitment to justice. The dialogue then shifts to Socrates’ cross-examination of his accusers. He questions them about their own beliefs and actions, and challenges their accusations. He also defends himself against the charges of corrupting the youth of Athens, arguing that he has only taught them to think for themselves and to question authority. The dialogue ends with Socrates’ final speech, in which he defends his life and character and expresses his willingness to accept whatever punishment the court deems fit. He then drinks the hemlock and dies.
By Xenophon · First published 354 · Genre: Philosophy, Classical Literature, History · 3,232 words
First lines
Among the reminiscences of Socrates, none, as it seems to me, is more deserving of record than the counsel he took with himself (after being cited to appear before the court), not only with regard to his defence, but also as to the ending of his life. Others have written on this theme, and all without exception have touched upon the lofty style of the philosopher, which may be taken as a proof that the language used by Socrates was really of that type. But none of these writers has brought out clearly the fact that Socrates had come to regard death as for himself preferable to life; and consequently there is just a suspicion of foolhardiness in the arrogancy of his address.
What this Textopian page supports
The Apology of Socrates is listed on Textopian as an essay by Xenophon, dated 354 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: Xenophon
- Date: 354 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Philosophy, Classical Literature, History, Non-Fiction
- Length: 3,232 words
- Structure: 1 section, 29 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Apology of Socrates by Xenophon
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Apology of Socrates?
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Genres
- Philosophy — The Apology of Socrates is a philosophical work written by Xenophon, which is a Socratic dialogue concerning the trial of Socrates in 399 BC.
- Classical Literature — The Apology of Socrates is a classical work written by Xenophon, which is a Socratic dialogue concerning the trial of Socrates in 399 BC.
- History — The Apology of Socrates is a historical work written by Xenophon, which is a Socratic dialogue concerning the trial of Socrates in 399 BC.
- Non-Fiction — The Apology of Socrates is a non-fiction work written by Xenophon, which is a Socratic dialogue concerning the trial of Socrates in 399 BC.
Tags
470 BC-399 BC · Classical literature · Socrates · age · alike · answered · anytus · choose · death · defence · display · divinities