Plato's Apology 39 C - 39 E

Socrates' Final Remarks to the Jury

Socrates' prophecy to those who voted to convict him

And now I wish to prophesy to you, O ye who have condemned me; for I am now at the time when men most do prophesy, the time just before death. And I say to you, ye men who have slain me, that punishment will come upon you straight-way after my death, far more grievous in sooth than the punishment of death which you have meted out to me. For now you have done this to me because you hoped that you would be relieved from rendering an account of your lives, but I say that you will find the result far different. Those who will force you to give an account will be more numerous than heretofore; men whom I restrained, though you knew it not; and they will be harsher, inasmuch as they are younger, and you will be more annoyed. For if you think that by putting men to death you will prevent anyone from reproaching you because you do not act as you should, you are mistaken. That mode of escape is neither possible at all nor honorable, but the easiest and most honorable escape is not by suppressing others, but by making yourselves as good as possible. So with this prophecy to you who condemned me I take my leave. Student name:

 

What does Socrates predict will happen after he has been put to death?

According to Socrates, why has the majority of the jury voted for his conviction?

 

According to Socrates, how should those who voted to convict him have responded when asked to give an account of their lives?

 

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