Required Reading: Plato’s Apology

Consider the position of Socrates in Plato’s Apology, taking into account the historical circumstances surrounding Socrates’ trial. Provide a reasoned opinion as to whether or not Socrates actions were appropriate; i.e., Should Socrates have pleaded with the jury to save himself? Or, was there a greater moral lesson Socrates was trying to impart on the citizens of Athens?

You will have to do some outside reading on the history of Classical Greece, the Persian Invasions, and the Peloponnesian War in the articles listed below.

The following is information relevant to helping you respond to the prompts in Discussion Boards 2, 3, 4, & 5:

Bibliographical Information on Socrates -> http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/socrates/

(Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.-Introduction, Section 3 & 4

Plato and this Thought -> http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/plato/

(Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.-Introduction, Sections 1, 3, 4, 7, & 12.

Listed there are the relevant articles and sections of the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. “Introduction” refers to the preamble before the table of contents in each article. The section numbers listed follow the Introduction in each article in the form of a table of contents. It is not necessary that you read each article in its entirety, but you may find some of the information interesting and should continue to read beyond the recommended sections at your leisure.