Clouds and Apology

 

PART A- REACTION QUESTIONS The satirical play, Clouds, suggests that while the scientific revolution inaugurated by the Presocratic thinkers in the sixth century is an advance over the mythological thought of Homer, it also has created an ethical crisis that will be exploited by the school of thinkers known as the Sophists. Reflecting upon the merits and shortcomings of scientific developments on the human condition, answer the following questions.

  1. In what ways does science and technology benefit our lives? Defend the right of the scientific community to explore any and all research without government restraint.
  2. In what ways does technology encumber your life? What are the dangers posed by scientific inquiry that necessitate government regulation?

 

Part B-READING QUESTIONS – Read the small section of Aristophanes’ Clouds and all of Plato’s Apology. Both texts can be found in your Trials of Socrates book.

  1. Why does Socrates reject the belief that Zeus is the cause of thunder and lightning? How does Socrates use the example of intestinal gas as an analogy? What does Socrates promote as the new deities? (Clouds 240-420)
  2. How does Socrates defend the claim that he is the wisest man in the world? (Apology 20c-23e)
  3. . How does Socrates refute Meletus’ claim that Socrates alone corrupts the youth? Explain Socrates’ use of the horse trainer as part of his refutation. (Apology 24b-26a)
  4. . How does Socrates refute the claim that he is a complete atheist? Explain his analogy concerning one who believes in horse-things or flute-things as a way of understanding his belief in daimonic (spiritual) things. (Apology 26b-28a)
  5. Explain how Socrates’ daimonic voice speaks to him. (Apology 31c) What is Socrates’ definition of human virtue at 37e?
  6. To satisfy the lecture portion of this course, please view the Spotlight Lecture posted in the Week 7 folder. Demonstrate by answering the following: Explain how the Peloponnesian War set the stage for Socrates’ trial.
  7. Please read over the midterm paper prompt and identify what question you propose to write about as well as the side that you will defend as your central thesis claim.

 

The trail of Socrates

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ErCKuY4eyE

 

The Apology of Socrates by Plato

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1GhJo1QcJQ

 

The ancient Greeks: crucible of Civilization, Episode 3 Empire of the mind

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08UtxuyI9ok