Question

One charge against Socrates was that his teaching was destructive. In at least 150 words, defend Socrates as he might defend himself. Refer to the text for ideas in creating your defense.

Answer 1

I claim not to know of the workings of the court, but I shall speak as I would to one of my students. As you may recall, the Oracle of Delphi had proclaimed that I was the wisest man in all of Greece. I do not doubt her claim, as I too believe I am the wisest man. You say my methods are destructive, my methods are the way that they are to show the "wise men" of Greece their ignorance. The men who believe they know everything. The reason I am wiser than these men is that I know that I know not everything. My teachings are to teach the men that even they know not everything.

Answer 2

Socrates speaks in a very plain, conversational manner. He explains that he has no experience with the law courts and that he will instead speak in the manner to which he is accustomed: with honesty and directness. He explains that his behavior stems from a prophecy by the oracle at Delphi which claimed that he was the wisest of all men. Recognizing his ignorance in most worldly affairs, Socrates must be wiser than other men only in that he knows nothing. In order to spread this peculiar wisdom, Socrates explains that he considered it his duty to question supposed "wise" men and to expose their false wisdom as ignorance