The Apology by Plato: The Trial of Socrates / Summary of Charges and Defense

This video will summarize 'The Apology' - Plato's account of the trial of Socrates in Ancient Athens - using the format of a breaking news show. The video will summarize and explain who Socrates is, what the old and new accusations are, and how Socrates defended himself. In particular, the video presents Socrates' Horse Analogy, illustrates how the remarkable words from the Oracle at Delphi motivated Socrates to question others, and question if Socrates is actually wise. Our hosts will carefully analyze the logic behind Socrates' argument that he did not corrupt the youth, and that he is not an atheist. Is Socrates guilty or innocent? You decide!

Here are timecodes to help you learn the logic behind Socrates' defense:

0:00 Welcome to First Person Philosophy News
0:35 The 'Apology' is no Apology
1:19 Introduction to the Trial
1:37 The Old Accusations
2:17 The New Accusations
4:01 Socrates Speaks the Truth
4:45 Defense against the Old Accusations
11:10 Socrates’ Defense against the New Accusations
14:35 In Defense of Philosophy
18:26 Analysis: Can Socrates Win the Trial?
21:15 Watch Part II

The video is very detailed, and follows 'The Apology' rather closely. It's perfect for students, but if there's too much detail on the screen, well . . . why don't we agree to blame the cable news industry, which I am trying to mimic! If you find the format distracting, I recommend you either close your eyes and just listen to the arguments (it's almost like reading!), or just watch it twice!

Pat is an award-winning movie writer/director from California who everyone should get to know on Instagram @hooszrDaddy and Twitter @HoosierFilms. I love his work, and I'm thrilled he agreed to help me out.

And if you are interested (and you must be if you are still reading!), I made the art with Adobe Illustrator, animated it with #characteranimator and pull it together with Premiere Pro.

More First Person Philosophy videos are on their way. Thanks for your support.

Peace!

[melissacortez]

Bless whoever's idea it was to create this video. It's super helpful and definitely explains all aspects of these things perfectly.

[safiyarehman]

This is so helpful as someone taking a philosophy class rn. Thank you

[ChristopherAnadale]

Well done, Mike! Thanks for making me a part of it!

[mikes_channel]

Totally made everything feel so real. Amazing work guys!

[hannahkoncsol]

Thank you so much for creating this video! This made conceptualizing the material way easier!

[nyansama]

Amazing content, easy to follow and a unique way to present ideas!

[argee]

“Heraclitus: I didn’t not step into the river!” Lmao, good one

[Anim_osity]

This is amazing, I'm blown away with how digestible the information was.

[clarencedaniels]

Thanks you're the best! Helped me out so much in class and the quizzes

[pepyn_]

Thankyou so much for this video! It helped me out a lot!

[iztud.]

thank you for this. I hope there would also be something like this for The Republic. I have understand The Apology better because of this video than just reading.

[Sadiqtalks]

Thank you so much! It was a very interesting video. Love and respect from Pakistan

[janetessah]

Thanks.. this is going to help me in my test ....very much appreciated

[VolunteerAbroadForFree]

I love this, it makes it so much more enjoyable and easy to understand

[georgetheodoridis]

The word "apology" DOES NOT mean "to apologise" in the modern sense. The word "logos" has a variety of meanings ranging from "reason" to "science" to "analysis." Socrates is not saying "sorry" but is giving his explanation of who he is and why he behaves the way he does. Nothing to do with contrition in the modern sense of the word.

[Zara-ttrh]

Wow this was amazing, and I’m going to show it to my young nieces one day.

[rayanmount]

The breaking news😂😂 you guys are so creative

[ryanmfoto]

amazing work. helps give insight opposed to reading, which can become trite & drab.

would love to see some jung videos. camus also.

[nissanzenkiboy]

HEY THANK YOU FOR THIS ! I have my test today and this is an awesome review!

[popinjayackroyd]

This was awesome. Going to link to it for my class. The only ting that would make it better are subtitles that hold up to accessibility standards, so I will have to subtitle it on Amara. The bottom scroll was hysterical.