Source edition
Xenophon, creator; Xenophontis Opera omnia Volume II Oeconomicus, Convivium, Apologia Socratis; Marchant, E. C. (Edgar Cardew), 1864-1960, editor
Source data
Perseus Digital Library · CC BY-SA (per Perseus's terms)
Cloned and adapted by Humanitext, with ongoing edits.
Summary
This work clarifies why Socrates maintained a resolute and seemingly boastful attitude (megalegoria) during his trial, drawing on the testimony of his companion Hermogenes. Before the trial, Socrates argues that having lived a just life is itself the best preparation for his defense, and that dying now to avoid the infirmities of old age is a divine blessing. In court, he boldly refutes the charges of atheism and introducing new deities by appealing to his "daimonion" (divine sign) and the Delphic oracle to prove his excellence. Even after receiving the death sentence, Socrates calmly accepts his fate without fear, rejecting offers to escape and remaining true to his principles of justice. Finally, after predicting the tragic future of his accusers, he departs the court with a serene mind, leading the author to praise his supreme wisdom and noble death.