Ancient Greek History Thucydides, the Journal

Instead of meaning "apology" in the modern sense, I am sorry, it is more a rhetorical device to allow one to defend one's beliefs and actions. Most of the text is written from Socrates' point-of-view, and while there were a number of accounts written about Socrates' last days, most consider Plato's version to be the most historically accurate- at least for writers of that time period.

In terms of evidence, the work focuses on the Socratic method in which the author, Plato / Socrates, has a dialog of logic and philosophy with the reader. Time after time Socrates uses the point-of-view that he was not corrupting anyone that was not already corrupted, but instead, trying to reconcile the truth of all things. However, by questioning everyone and everything, and never allowing himself to be satisfied with the answers, he seemed to earn a reputation of a busybody, or gossip. But, for Socrates, what better evidence that the remarks, phrases, and conversations from his fellow Athenians. Of course, this is partially what caused his difficulties: teaching youth to question everything never makes anyone popular; teaching them to see the hypocrisy in what adults say and do even less so. Even in the penalty phase of the argument, Socrates bases his evidence on dialog.We know the majority of the judges voted in favor of death as the only real way to silence this man (XXXVIII:c). Socrates lets the judges and panel know, though, that if they think they can silence him, even in death, younger and even more harsh critics will follow -- for he has sown the seed of enlightenment, and that enlightenment is in the form of questioning (XXXIX:d). It seems that the issue of "betterment of society," too, challenges Socrates' critics, for even at the end, he says he bears no grudge, but please, will some of the good men still left in Athens look after his three sons, and ensure they grow up as good people, putting the right path in front of their own….....