2. Socratic Citizenship: Plato's Apology

Introduction to Political Philosophy (PLSC 114)

The lecture begins with an explanation of why Plato's Apology is the best introductory text to the study of political philosophy. The focus remains on the Apology as a symbol for the violation of free expression, with Socrates justifying his way of life as a philosopher and defending the utility of philosophy for political life.

00:00 - Chapter 1. Introduction: Plato, Apology
09:31 - Chapter 2. Political Context of the Dialogue
19:19 - Chapter 3. Accusations Leveled Against Socrates
27:51 - Chapter 4. Clouds: Debunking Socrates' New Model of Citizenship
33:31 - Chapter 5. The Famous Socratic "Turn"; Socrates' Second Sailing

Complete course materials are available at the Open Yale Courses website: http://open.yale.edu/courses

This course was recorded in Fall 2006.