The Trial of Socrates

What questions do you have on the reading?

If you were on Socrates’ jury, how would you vote?

On the charge of corrupting the youth. 1. Guilty. 2. Not Guilty.

Why?

A Couple of Definitions  Rhetoric: 1 : the art of speaking or writing effectively: as a : the study of principles and rules of composition formulated by critics of ancient times b : the study of writing or speaking as a means of communication or persuasion 2: insincere or grandiloquent language  Dissemble: to hide under a false appearance

On the charge of impiety. 1. Guilty. He was only dissembling when talking about following God’s will. 2. Not Guilty. I have no reason to believe Socrates was lying about his views on God.

Even if Socrates was not guilty, we should convict him anyway. 1. Yes, we need to protect the youth and our religion, even by acting unjustly. 2. No, we must follow the law and what is just, even if it presents risk to our city.

Even if we do not try and convict suspected terrorists, we should keep them imprisoned. 1. Yes, we need to protect society, even if we act unjustly in doing so. 2. No, we must follow the law and what is just, even if it presents risk to our country.

Should Socrates’ attitude have influenced the jury? 1. Yes, a defendant’s attitude in court is always relevant. 2. No, we should only consider the facts of the case.

Does Socrates strike you as an honest person? 1. Strongly Agree 2. Agree 3. Neutral 4. Disagree 5. Strongly Disagree

Does Socrates strike you as a humble person? 1. Strongly Agree 2. Agree 3. Neutral 4. Disagree 5. Strongly Disagree

What are the lessons of Socrates’ defense?

Quiz & Break

What is Critical Thinking?

How Socrates Might Answer?  Critical Thinking is doing what I am doing!  In particular....  Question and examine everything dialectically  Value the truth over all other considerations  Do not allow emotion to sway your thinking  Are there any other ways you see Socrates as a model of critical thinking?

What does Cronon Say?  Cronon does not use the term “critical thinking,” but does say that liberally educated students.... ... can write clearly and persuasively and movingly. Your English professors will tell you that good writing involves clear thinking ... can solve a wide variety of puzzles and problems. ... respect rigor not so much for its own sake but as a way of seeking truth. ... practice humility, tolerance, and self-criticism ... see connections that allow one to make sense of the world and act within it in creative ways.

What does the Foundation for Critical Thinking Say?Foundation for Critical Thinking  Critical thinking is the art of analyzing and evaluating thinking with a view to improving it.

The Foundation says critical thinkers...  raise vital questions and problems, formulating them clearly and precisely.  gather and assess relevant information, using abstract ideas to interpret it effectively  come to well-reasoned conclusions, testing them against relevant criteria and standards  think open-mindedly within alternative systems of thought, recognizing and assessing... their assumptions, implications, and practical consequences  communicate effectively with others in figuring out solutions to complex problems

The Foundations 8 elements of thought  Purpose: The goal of your thinking  Question at Issue  Assumptions: What you take for granted  Point of View: your perspective  Information: Data, facts, observations  Concepts: Theories, definitions, principles, models  Interpretation & Inference: Your (intermediate) conclusions  Implications and Consequences

What do We Say?  If your assumptions are incorrect, your conclusions are questionable  Look for logical contradictions!  Beware of agendas  Beware of your own biases  Avoid trusting a single authority  Beware of having incomplete information

A Short Critical Thinking Exercise  Explain how to cut a cake into 8 equal pieces using only 3 straight cuts.

A (false) Logic Puzzle Three farmers who have been sharing a mule have forgotten who actually owns it, and none of them is really sure they want to own it. They come to Socrates for help. Each farmer makes two statements, one of which is true and one of which is false. A:1. It is C’s mule. 2. I can make no claim to it. B:1. C has no right to it. 2. It is A’s mule. C:1. It is my mule. 2. B’s second statement is false. Who owns the mule?

Your Assignment  Finish Apology which will conclude Socrates’ Trial  Read excerpts from the Crito and the Phaedo, also by Plato. These will relate Socrates’ behavior and thought after the trial  Quiz over the readings and this lecture on Tuesday

Questions to consider: Apology  After his condemnation, Socrates claims to have been working for the good of his fellow citizens. How does he attempt this?  Why does Socrates propose a thirty minae penalty as punishment?  What runs faster than death and is more difficult to avoid?  Socrates gives several reasons why he is not afraid to die. What are they?

Questions to consider: Crito & Phaedo  How does Crito try to persuade Socrates to escape?  Why does Socrates refuse to follow Crito’s advice?  According to Socrates, should we be concerned about the opinions of the masses or not? Why or why not?  Who would Socrates be wronging by escaping from prison?  How does Socrates see his relationship with the state? Do you see your own relationship with the state in a similar fashion or in a rather different way?  How does Socrates see his relationship with God? Do you see your own relationship with the state in a similar fashion or in a rather different way?

Closing Quote If you make people think they’re thinking, they’ll love you. If you really make them think, they’ll hate you. - Don Marquis