1. Plato's "Allegory of the Cave" is a famous section of Plato's dialogue Republic. It's an allegory because nearly every aspect is deeply symbolic; the Sun, for example, represents the Form of the Good (and among later Christian thinkers, it represents God). But, as you saw from the animated version, it's the story of how one moves from accepting beliefs as given to their critical examination; it's the story of moving from images/ignorance to knowledge; it's the story of moving from the word of sensation to the realm of thought; and it's the story of a human's liberation.
Compose a paper in which you explain how the trial of Socrates and the "Allegory of the Cave" are both examinations of the same idea: "That the unexamined life is not worth living." In your explanation be sure to touch on specific elements of the "Allegory of the Cave" and of the trial of Socrates
2. Socrates and Plato were both famous critics of the Athenian democracy. In his book on the trial of Socrates, Stone (1989) explores three areas of disagreement between the Athenian democracy and Socrates (see narrated PowerPoint). What are your thoughts on these areas of disagreement and on the weaknesses of democracy, whether in its direct participatory form (Athens) or in its constitutional republic form (The United States)?
Compose a paper in which you summarize the three disagreements between Socrates and Athens and in which you take a position on each disagreement and defend your position with reasoned arguments.
3. At the outset of his defense Socrates makes a curious remark: "One thing I do ask and beg of you, gentlemen: if you hear me making my defense in the same kind of language as I am accustomed to use in the marketplace by the bankers' tables, where many of you have heard me, and elsewhere, do not be surprised or create a disturbance on that account." What makes the remark curious is that Socrates states that he will not be following the standard procedure for trials of this type, which would be for each of the two sides to hire someone to write a speech and then hire someone to give that speech-the jury would then make its decision based on the speeches and their delivery. Instead, Socrates will use his "accustomed" method, namely that of asking questions and searching for contradictions in beliefs.
Compose a paper in which you summarize and examine one instance of Socrates against corrupting the youth.
4. The trial of Socrates has ended and as one of the members of the jury a citizen of the Athenian democracy-you must vote on the guilt or innocence of Socrates. You've heard Socrates explain that his reputation emerged from his quest to examine the words of the Oracle at Delphi, which he does by publicly questioning politicians, craftsman and artists (and showing that each mistakes something for knowledge); you've heard him demonstrate that his accusers, Meletus and Anytus, hold inconsistent beliefs about Socrates' views and the charges themselves; and, you've heard him suggest that his penalty for what he has done should be treated as one would treat an Olympic victor, or maybe a small fine (and, the tradition here would to ask for exile). You have two votes to consider: whether he is guilty of the charges of corrupting the youth and of not believing in the gods (or in any gods); second, what penalty should be given to him.
Compose a paper in which you explain and defend the votes that you would have made.