CHAPTER IX.. Apology of Sokrates.

Apology of Sokrates.

The Apology is the real defence delivered by Sokrates before the Dikasts, reported by Plato, without intentional transformation 410

Even if it be Plato's own composition, it comes naturally first in the review of his dialogues 411

General character of the Apology--Sentiments entertained towards Sokrates at Athens 412

Declaration from the Delphian oracle respecting the wisdom of Sokrates, interpreted by him as a mission to cross-examine the citizens generally--The oracle is proved to be true 413

False persuasion of wisdom is universal--the God alone is wise 414

Emphatic assertion by Sokrates of the cross-examining mission imposed upon him by the God ib.

He had devoted his life to the execution of this mission, and he intended to persevere in spite of obloquy or danger 416

He disclaims the function of a teacher--he cannot teach, for he is not wiser than others. He differs from others by being conscious of his own ignorance ib.

He does not know where competent teachers can be found. He is perpetually seeking for them, but in vain 417

Impression made by the Platonic Apology on Zeno the Stoic 418

Extent of efficacious influence claimed by Sokrates for himself--exemplified by Plato throughout the Dialogues of Search--Xenophon and Plato enlarge it ib.

Assumption by modern critics, that Sokrates is a positive teacher, employing indirect methods for the inculcation of theories of his own 419

Incorrectness of such assumption--the Sokratic Elenchus does not furnish a solution, but works upon the mind of the respondent, stimulating him to seek for a solution of his own 420

Value and importance of this process--stimulating active individual minds to theorise each for itself 421

View taken by Sokrates about death. Other men profess to know what it is, and think it a great misfortune: he does not know 422

Reliance of Sokrates on his own individual reason, whether agreeing or disagreeing with others 423

Formidable efficacy of established public beliefs, generated without any ostensible author 424