1.)Socrates distinguishes between old accusers and new accusers, saying that the old accusers are more dangerous to him. Why? What do they threaten that he values?2.)Socrates begins by asking the court to recognize that his speech is different than theirs. He says his speech is like a foreign language in the court. What does he mean by this? What is the role of speech in a trial? How does Socrates use speech?3.)Plato uses Achilles as a point of contrast for Socrates in order to demonstrate the kind of civic virtues that Socrates has and suggest that Socrates might be a better hero for a democracy than Achilles. What is necessary for democratic politics to work? What roles do heroes play? Who is a better hero and why?4.)Socrates says that the best punishment for his crimes would be a banquet in his honor. Why does he say this? Do you think he is right?5.)Was Socrates guilty or innocent of the crimes for which he was convicted? In either case, was the decision just? Was the jury correct to deem him a threat to Athens?6.)Does the jury’s decision ultimately represent the triumph of force and/or indifference over persuasion? Does Socrates neutralize the power of force by not being afraid of death?7.)What would it mean if Socrates were acquitted by appealing to their juries emotions?8.)We might be sympathetic to Socrates’ contention that he is trying to make Athens better by helping people to understand the purpose behind the traditions and the underlying dimensions of their beliefs.However, even if this is true about Socrates, how can a society deal with people who would claim the authority of “truth” or “justice” as a mask for their own interest?
