Plato's Apology

What is Socrates' purpose in speaking to the Athenians?

• to persuade them that he is innocent

• to inform them of his plans for the future

• to entertain them with his dramatic humor.

• to apologize for his past behavior

In what way can we be sure that Socrates is telling the truth?

• He is a famous Greek philosopher and would never tell a lie.

• It is not possible to know whether or not he is telling the truth.

• It is possible to tell by reading his words very carefully.

• Socrates is honest because Socrates has included this in his dialogues

Which was the stance that Socrates held?

• His listeners should listen very carefully to him to understand what he says.

• His listeners should listen very carefully to him to spot the lies he tells.

• His listeners should listen very carefully and not be swayed by his eloquence.

• His listeners should listen very carefully and trust everything he says because of his reputation.

Socrates equates the “force of eloquence” to

• meaning

• his accusers

• a lie

• the truth

How does Socrates compare his eloquence with that of his accusers?

• He says that they have spoken very unpersuasively and were not prepared.

• He says that they have read their words while he will speak spontaneously.

• He says that he alone is convinced that his cause is right and just.

• He says that they have made up their arguments and he will not.

What is the tone of Socrates' speech?

• dully and sleepy

• lighthearted and humorous

• forceful and direct

• angry and bitter

Socrates asks the court to treat him as if he “were really a stranger” because he

• has never been in court and does not know the language of the court.

• has recently come to Athens from another country far away.

• does not know any of the Athenians present at the court.

• is well known because he has been in court many times before.

Plato has Socrates clearly state his bias when Socrates says that

• he should be treated like a stranger.

• he is unable to face his accusers.

• his accusers speak nothing but lies.

• he will only speak the truth.

For what reason does Socrates greatly fear his older accusers?

• He says that the Athenians heard the arguments of his older accusers when young and sure of themselves.

• He says that the Athenians heard the arguments of his older accusers when young and impressionable.

• He says that his older accusers are more dangerous because they don’t believe in the existence of the gods.

• He says that his older accusers are more dangerous because they do believe in the existence of the gods

Based on reading the text, which of the following generalizations is most accurate?

• There are many people who defend Socrates.

• The Athenian court is very fair to Socrates.

• The court has little power over Socrates.

• Socrates is at the mercy of the Athenian court.