ENGL 298 B: Intermediate Writing Social Sciences   Autumn 2011, University of Washington

“Those who maliciously and slanderously persuaded you – who also, when persuaded
themselves persuaded others – all those are most difficult to deal with…” (Plato,
pg 22)

Persuaded is the key phrase both in this passage and in the whole of the Apology. Plato
records Socrates’ defense because he deems the arguments Socrates has made to
be valuable in getting the general public to think more critically, and become
better citizens. Plato has been persuaded by Socrates’ arguments to the point
where he wants to persuade others to follow Socrates’ words. Interestingly,
Socrates seeks to persuade people of his innocence, yet in this passage he
points out that most of the people around him have been convinced of his guilt
by others. Thus the whole trial is a series of attempts to change people’s
minds about things in one way or another. An important thing to note is that while
the people of Athens are interested solely in Socrates’ demise, Socrates is
arguing to better the people around him (and maintain his ideals) in addition
to trying defending himself.

“My good Crito, why should we care so much for what the majority think?” (Plato, pg
45)

The majority is the key phrase in this sentence, and a large chunk of Socrates’
ideas revolve around the majority. On one hand, Socrates is obligated to follow
the procedures of the law and subjugate himself to the opinions of a jury, i.e.
the majority, because of his belief that he has tacitly consented to the city
of Athen’s laws by living there. On the flip side, He doesn’t necessarily have
to agree with the opinions of the majority just because the law requires him to
submit himself to their wishes. Here he is trying to walk Plato through the
reasons for why he must die, and they revolve around this concept of obeying
the majority through the procedures of the law, but not necessarily agreeing
with them. To Plato, the repercussions of Socrates possible escape hinge on how
Socrates’ public image would be affected, and Socrates must convince him that
there are greater things at stake than public opinion of him.