The Apology of Socrates

1. The Apology of Socrates Socrates Plato

2. The Apology—Historical Background • Athens defeated by Sparta in Peloponnesian War • Athenian democracy doomed • The Assembly chose The Thirty to draft new constitution • The Thirty get rid of politicians whose bad advice caused downfall • Ultimate goal of The Thirty is elimination of their political opponents

3. The Apology—Historical Background • The Thirty had support of Spartans • The Thirty commonly known as The Thirty Tyrants • The Thirty had list of 3,000 citizens and passed law that anyone not on list could be put to death • Small army of democrats overthrew The Thirty and restored democracy

4. The Apology—Historical Background • Law regarding the 3,000 was changed and The Thirty and their close associates were outlawed

5. Socrates • Trial took place in 399 • Associate of two of The Thirty • Did not participate in the activities of The Thirty but stayed in Athens during their rule while democratic leaders had been exiled • Socrates brought to trial but exile rather than death was probable desired outcome

6. Socrates • Socrates not intimidated by trial and maintained his innocence • Attitude likely angered jury • Socrates wrote nothing himself