The Apology

"The Apology" by Xenophon is a Socratic dialogue written about the trial of Socrates in 399 BC. The work presents Socrates's legal defense against charges of corrupting Athenian youth and impiety. Based on accounts from Hermogenes, who attended the trial, Xenophon portrays Socrates's boastful speaking manner as deliberate strategy. The philosopher argues that death is preferable to senility and humbling oneself before unjust persecution. This interpretation contrasts notably with Plato's more famous account of the same trial. (This is an automatically generated summary.)