Apology

Structure

18a-e: Early Accusations: Aristophanes, comic playwright

Recent Accusations: Meletus on behalf of the poets

Anytus on behalf of the craftsmen and politicians

Lycon on behalf of the orators

19a-24b: Defense against Early Accusations

24b-28a: Defense against Recent Accusations (Examination of Meletus)

28b-35d: Digression

35e-38b: Sentencing Hearing

38c: Sentence of Death

38c-42a: Final Statement

Why is Socrates such a pain in the neck?

36d: “The Olympian victor makes you think yourself happy; I make you be happy.”

20c: “I thought Evenus a happy man, if he really possesses this art.”

38a: “It is the greatest good for a man to discuss virtue every day.”

“The unexamined life is not worth living.”

25d: “Is there any man who wants to be harmed? —Of course not.”

30d: “I do not think it is permitted that a better man be harmed by a worse.”

41d: “A good man cannot be harmed either in life or in death.”

On the basis of these quotes, reconstruct how Socrates takes the following to be interrelated:

1. Discussing virtue: Trying to answer the question, “What is virtue?”

2. Knowing what virtue is

3. Wanting the good

4. Being virtuous

5. Being happy