Apology

Perhaps the most well-known of all the dialogues of the first great Greek philosopher.

Socrates has been accused of corrupting the youth with bad ideas and bad religion. In this dialogue (written by his most famous student, Plato), Socrates defends himself in court.

He argues that his marketplace conversations were intended to illuminate the path of wisdom and living well. He explains why the gods consider him wiser than others, and he endeavors to help his countrymen realize they are not living as wisely as they believe.

Far from corrupting the youth, he urged his countrymen to live for moral rather than practical gain, to examine what is best for the soul, and to be more concerned about what is just rather than how to prolong their lives.

Socrates argues that the gods considered him the wisest because he realized he was not. And that human wisdom is not sufficient for living well. He angered his fellow citizens by revealing their lack of wisdom.

A high school student (10th grade +) can read this dialogue in one or two sittings. This dialogue can be read many times, enjoyably and helpfully.

Socrates was the first great Greek philosopher. He pursued wisdom, endeavored to answer life’s big questions, and showed others how to live wisely. His most famous pupil, Plato, recorded his final days in dialogues such as Euthyphro, Apology, and Crito.