Witness the defense of philosophy itself in Plato’s ‘Apology’, and read the complete text online for free.
Plato’s Apology (from the Greek apologia, meaning “defense speech”) is not an expression of regret but the dramatic account of Socrates’ trial in 399 BCE. It stands as one of the most foundational texts in Western philosophy and a timeless testament to intellectual integrity. The work is Plato’s version of the speech his teacher, Socrates, gave before an Athenian jury of 501 citizens, defending himself against charges of “corrupting the youth” and “impiety” (not believing in the city’s gods and introducing new divinities).
Socrates’ defense is a masterpiece of irony, logical rigor, and moral courage. He explains his life’s mission as a response to the Delphic oracle’s pronouncement that no one was wiser than he. Interpreting this as a divine command, he set out to question Athens’ supposed wise men—politicians, poets, craftsmen—only to find that their wisdom was illusory. His philosophical activity, the famous “Socratic method” of questioning, earned him admiration among the youth but bitter resentment from those he exposed. In the Apology, Socrates refuses to beg for mercy or promise to stop philosophizing. Instead, he famously declares that “the unexamined life is not worth living,” choosing death over the betrayal of his principles. This text is not just a courtroom drama; it is the defining moment that cemented Socrates as the martyr of philosophy and established the ideal of the thinker whose loyalty to truth transcends social convention and fear.
On this page, you can engage with this cornerstone of philosophical literature. We offer the complete dialogue in a classic English translation for online reading.
Book Info
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Title | Apology (Ἀπολογία Σωκράτους) |
| Author | Plato |
| Year of Publication | c. 399-387 BCE (written after the events) |
| Genre | Philosophy, Dialogue, Courtroom Drama, Classical Literature |
| Language | English (Translation from Ancient Greek) |
| Legal Status | Public Domain |
| Format | Online Reading |
[Read the Apology Online]
Listen to the speech that changed history. Begin Socrates’ defense by exploring the first sections interactively below.
This preview introduces Socrates’ opening remarks and his explanation of his “wisdom,” but the full, powerful argument, his response to the verdict, and his final prophetic words are available in the complete text for our subscribers.
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About the Apology
While historically based, the Apology is Plato’s literary and philosophical creation, designed to immortalize his teacher’s character and defend his legacy. It is likely the earliest of Plato’s writings.
Socrates’ Method as Defense
His entire speech is an example of his philosophical method. He cross-examines his accuser, Meletus, exposing the contradictions in the charges. He refuses to use emotional rhetoric, instead appealing to reason and justice. His “defense” is really an exposition and vindication of his way of life.
The Philosophical Mission
Socrates recounts how his friend Chaerephon asked the oracle at Delphi if anyone was wiser than Socrates. The oracle said “no.” Perplexed, Socrates set out to find someone wiser, concluding that his wisdom lay in his awareness of his own ignorance: “I am wiser than this man, for neither of us really knows anything fine and good, but he thinks he knows something when he does not, whereas I, as I do not know, do not think I know.” This humble yet radical skepticism is the engine of his philosophizing.
The “Gadfly” of Athens
Socrates famously compares himself to a gadfly that the great, noble, but sluggish horse (the Athenian state) needs to be stirred into action. His irritating questions are a divine service, preventing the city from becoming complacent and morally asleep. This metaphor captures the essential, often unwelcome, role of the critical thinker in society.
The Charges Unpacked
- Corrupting the Youth: Socrates argues he cannot intentionally corrupt others, as that would harm himself by living among corrupted citizens. He points to the fathers and brothers of his young followers present in court, none of whom accuse him.
- Impiety: He explains his “divine sign” (daimonion)—an inner voice that warns him against wrongdoing—not as a new god, but as a form of divine communication. He argues his pursuit of truth is the highest service to the god Apollo.
“The Unexamined Life”
The core philosophical statement. For Socrates, mere biological existence is not true living. To be human is to engage in rational self-reflection, ethical inquiry, and the pursuit of knowledge. To give up philosophy would be a living death, a betrayal of his very nature and the god’s command.
Facing Death
After being found guilty and sentenced to death, Socrates delivers a stunningly fearless address. He argues that no one knows if death is an evil, so it is irrational to fear it. It might be a blessing—either a dreamless sleep or a migration to an afterlife where he can question the great souls of the past. His calm in the face of mortality is the ultimate proof of his philosophical convictions.
Legacy and Irony
The Apology immortalizes the moment philosophy was put on trial by the city—and philosophy, in the person of Socrates, willingly accepted death rather than surrender its mission. The work ensured that Socrates’ execution would forever be seen not as a just punishment, but as the city’s tragic crime against its own conscience.
Why Read the Apology Today?
It is a permanent manifesto for critical thinking, academic freedom, and moral courage. In an age of misinformation, groupthink, and fear, Socrates’ commitment to questioning, his intellectual humility, and his willingness to die for the right to think for oneself remain powerfully relevant and inspiring.
FAQ
Is this an accurate historical record?
It is Plato’s version, written some years after the event. While it captures the essence of Socrates’ character and arguments, scholars debate how closely it follows the actual speech. Other accounts exist (by Xenophon), but Plato’s is the most philosophically rich and influential.
Why was Socrates really put on trial?
The formal charges masked deeper political motives. Athens had recently lost the Peloponnesian War and endured the rule of the Thirty Tyrants, a brutal Spartan-imposed oligarchy that included several of Socrates’ former associates (like Critias). Socrates’ habit of questioning Athenian democracy and its leaders made him a convenient scapegoat for the city’s troubles.
What is the Socratic Method?
It is a form of cooperative, argumentative dialogue based on asking and answering questions to stimulate critical thinking and draw out underlying presumptions. It typically starts with a question about a virtue (e.g., “What is justice?”), exposes contradictions in common definitions, and leads the interlocutor to a state of productive confusion (aporia) that is the starting point for true knowledge.
Did Socrates have a chance to escape?
Yes, after the trial. As depicted in Plato’s Crito, his friends arranged an easy escape from prison. Socrates refused, arguing that to flee would be to violate the laws of the city that raised him, thus committing the very injustice he was accused of and destroying his philosophical consistency.
Can I read it on my phone?
Absolutely. It is a relatively short, single-speech text that is profoundly engaging and ideally suited for focused reading on any device.