Apology

By: Plato

Narrated by: Edward Miller

Length: 1 hr and 15 mins

Publisher's summary

The "Apology" of Socrates by Plato, presents the speech of self-defence given by Socrates in his trial for impiety and corruption (399 BC).The "Apology" of Socrates is the dialogue that depicts the death of Socrates and is one of the four works, along with Euthphro, Phaedo, and Crito, through which Plato details the final days of the philosopher Socrates.

There is, however, no real way of knowing how closely Socrates' words in the "Apology" match those of Socrates at the actual trial, even if it was Plato's intention to be accurate in this respect. Whatever the case, this is an absolute classic in the field of philosophy.

©2016 Audioliterature (P)2016 Audioliterature

BREAKING NEWS: Socrates live!!!

2,418 years ago, Socrates delivered his defense ("Apologia") by speaking it: live, in person, in Greek, at a public trial, in Athens. Shortly thereafter, Plato wrote it down. Since then, Socrates' speech has come a long way – over a long time – and we are still chasing it, breathless, at breakneck speed!

Over the years, I have tackled Socrates' Apologia in translation, with helpful footnotes. Well worth the time and effort. Very enjoyable. I love to pick up a book and read. But, when my eyes get tired, I give them a rest. I put my ears to work. I turn on Audible. I tune in. I listen to Socrates speaking at his trial. Hearing Socrates defend himself on Audible brings everything to life! Suddenly, ancient history and philosophy become breaking news on the radio. Not far away, not lost in time, not forgotten. Rather, up close, personal, pending, pressing – right here right now – in the only life I know, my own.

I sympathize with Socrates. Not just intellectually. Personally. For, I too have been summoned to present myself at a public hearing. There and then, I will be ordered to swear that whatever I say will be the truth. If only the law would allow me to decline to obey that order and refuse to take that oath! Why decline? Why refuse? Because I cannot see into the future. I cannot predict what I am going to say. Nor can I promise that whatever I say will be true. 

After speaking, I could review a transcript of my words. I could correct my words; revise my words; bring my words closer and closer to the truth. Close. But no cigar. No matter how long I work at it, no matter how hard I try, I shall never know the truth. An omniscient god would know the truth right away. But I shall never know the truth. All I shall ever know are my thoughts. I can believe, guess, or estimate correctly. But that is not the same thing as knowing the truth.

Though I cannot know the truth, I can know my thoughts: beliefs, imaginations, memories, emotions, dreams, ideas, and whatever else I may have in mind at the moment. So, why not let me speak my mind freely & spontaneously!

Alas, even if I am allowed to speak my mind, I cannot not speak my thoughts. I can only speak my words.

Are these my words? Yes. Are my words thoughts? No. Are my words true? I don't know.

Thank you, Socrates, for encouraging an ignoramus like me to think, write, and speak as I do.

Thank you, Audible, for allowing me to post this review.

Thank you, my fellow Audibabylonians, for reading it.