The Defense of Socrates: A New Translation of Apology

By Plato

In this new translation of Plato's "Apology," James G. Yorke presents a fresh perspective on the classic defense speech by Socrates. Facing the ultimate trial in Athens, Socrates delivers a compelling argument on virtue, wisdom, and the philosophical life. Yorke's translation captures the essence of Socra

• Language: English
• Publisher: Filibooks Classics
• Release date: Mar 15, 2024
• ISBN: 9788794559140

Plato

Plato (aprox. 424-327 BC), a student of Socrates and the teacher of Aristotle, is commonly regarded as the centermost figure of Western philosophy. During the Classical period of Ancient Greece he was based in Athens where he founded his Academy and created the Platonist school of thought. His works are among the most influential in Western history, commanding interest and challenging readers of every era and background since they were composed.

Book preview

The Defense of Socrates

THE DEFENSE OF SOCRATES

A NEW TRANSLATION OF APOLOGY

PLATO

Translated by

JAMES G. YORKE

Cover by: Filibooks Covers

Published by: Filibooks Classics

Filibooks ApS

[e-mail]

CVR: 37100161

©Filibooks 2024

Paperback ISBN: 978-87-94559-13-3

Ebook ISBN: 978-87-94559-14-0

CONTENTS

Foreword

The Defense of Socrates

Notes

FOREWORD

In undertaking the task of translating one of the most seminal works of Western philosophy, I was driven by a dual passion: to bring to the fore the enduring wisdom of Socrates, and to render his thoughts in a language that resonates with today's readers. This new translation, titled The Defense of Socrates, aims not only to bridge the gap between ancient wisdom and contemporary understanding but also to illuminate the timeless nature of Socratic thought.

Socrates' defense before the Athenian jury is more than a mere historical account; it is a profound discourse on the nature of virtue, the value of self-knowledge, and the essence of a life well-lived. By questioning the moral and intellectual complacency of his time, Socrates challenges us to examine our own beliefs, to understand the foundation upon which they rest, and to live a life in pursuit of truth and goodness.

In translating this work, I endeavored to capture the vibrancy and immediacy of Socrates' discourse. Ancient Greek, with its nuanced meanings and conceptual richness, presents a formidable challenge to the translator. My aim was to convey the depth and subtlety of the original dialogue while making it accessible and engaging for a modern audience. This meant not only choosing words that reflect the original intent but also crafting sentences that carry the rhetorical force and philosophical depth of Socrates' defense.

The Defense of Socrates is not just a book for philosophers or students of classical antiquity. It is a book for anyone who seeks to understand the foundation of Western thought and the enduring questions about justice, truth, and the good life. Socrates' commitment to living a life of inquiry and his ultimate sacrifice in the service of truth continue to inspire and challenge us to think deeply about our own values and the society in which we live.

As you embark on this journey through the pages of The Defense of Socrates, I invite you to engage with Socrates' words as if he were speaking directly to you, across the millennia. Let his defense be a call to examine not only the world around you but also the innermost parts of your own mind and soul. In doing so, may you find, as I have, a source of inexhaustible wisdom and inspiration.

THE DEFENSE OF SOCRATES

{17a}

¹

Men of Athens, I do not know how my accusers have affected you. As for me, they nearly made me forget myself, so persuasively did they speak. And yet, they have scarcely uttered a word of truth. But of the many lies they told, one in particular surprised me: when they said that you must be on your guard lest you be deceived {17b} by me, as I am a skilled speaker. The fact that they are not ashamed, even though they will immediately be refuted by me in deed when I show myself to be not at all skilled in speaking—this seemed to me the height of their audacity. Unless, of course, they call one who speaks the truth a skilled speaker; if they mean this, I would agree that I am an orator, but not after their manner.

Now they, as I say, have spoken little or