Week 2: Greek Philosophy 2 — Plato's Apology
Week of Mon, Aug 24 · week closes Sun, Aug 30
This week's items
- Philosophical Forum 1points in Canvas
- Week 2 Discussionpoints in Canvas
- Week 2 Quizpoints in Canvas
Exact due times are in Canvas. Late work is not accepted except for a documented emergency (doctor's note, funeral announcement) arranged case by case.
Read this week
- The Apology — Plato — Socrates' defense speech at his trial, 399 BCE
Textbook chapters (Payne): Ch. 3: Ancient Philosophy
Know these cold
- Apology comes from the Greek apologia — a formal defense speech. Socrates defends himself before roughly 500 Athenian jurors in 399 BCE.
- The formal charges: corrupting the young, not believing in the gods of the city, and introducing new divinities. The accusers are Meletus, Anytus, and Lycon.
- The Oracle at Delphi told Socrates' friend Chaerephon that no one was wiser than Socrates. Socrates set out to disprove it by questioning politicians, poets, and craftsmen.
- Socratic wisdom: Socrates is wiser only because he knows that he does not know. The others think they know and do not.
- The Socratic method (elenchus): ask a question, take the answer seriously, test it with a counter-example, refine or reject it — repeat.
- Socrates calls himself a gadfly sent by the god to sting a sluggish horse, the city of Athens, into examining its life.
- 'The unexamined life is not worth living.' Socrates would rather die than stop questioning; he refuses to propose exile or silence.
- He is convicted by a narrow margin and sentenced to death. He warns the jury that killing him will not stop the questions — and that death may be a good thing.
Discussion and forum — how to show up
Discussion post
- Claim first: what Socrates gets right, or wrong, in one sentence.
- One quoted line, explained in your words.
- One connection to now — a time questioning got someone in trouble.
- Two replies that address ideas, not people.
Philosophical Forum 1 — the trial of Socrates
- Position (1 sentence): Athens was right / wrong to convict, because…
- Reason 1 with a quote from the Apology.
- Reason 2 with a quote.
- Strongest objection to your position, stated fairly.
- Your answer to the objection.
- Closing: one sentence on why this matters in 2026.
Netiquette from the syllabus: address ideas, not people. Complete sentences, correct spelling. Personal matters go to email, never the board.
Meerk's quiz — open the Week 2 gate
10 questions, no time limit. 85% on your first attempt in a 24-hour window opens the gate. Retakes inside the window are practice — they help you learn, they don't count. Work alone; the point is to know it, not to have seen it.
Stuck?
Raise your hand. Mr. James gets a message right away and can help you remotely. Nothing else is stored — just your last name, grade, and where you're stuck.
Dinner Table Question
Ask at home: Socrates said he was wise only because he knew what he didn't know. What is something you used to be sure about and aren't anymore?
En español: Sócrates dijo que era sabio solo porque sabía lo que no sabía. ¿Qué es algo de lo que antes estabas seguro y ya no?