Philosophy

Plato’s Apologia Sokratous (A Modern English Translation): Socrates’ Speech at His Death Sentence Trial

About the book

One of the most famous trial speeches in the history of philosophy, translated into clear modern English.

In Plato’s Apologia Sokratous: Socrates’ Speech at His Death Sentence Trial, Plato presents Socrates standing before the court of Athens after years of rumor, suspicion, and hostility have gathered around his name.

Accused of corrupting the young and rejecting the gods honored by the city, Socrates must answer not only the official charges against him, but also the deeper misunderstandings that have shaped the public view of his life.

With his life on the line, Socrates does not beg for mercy, flatter the court, or lie to save himself. Instead, he speaks with clarity and dignity. He questions his accusers, exposes the weakness of their claims, and explains the purpose behind the life he has chosen.

Though he is old, and facing the possibility of death, Socrates remains steady in his commitment to truth, and goodness. He embodies the spirit of the philosopher: a person committed to truth wherever it leads, to goodness above personal gain, and to wisdom above reputation, comfort, or survival.

This modern English translation is written in clear, natural prose for today’s readers. It preserves the meaning, argument, tone, and structure of Plato’s original work while avoiding stiff, confusing, or overly academic language.

Nothing essential is skipped, softened, censored, or rewritten into a different message. The goal is to make Socrates’ speech easy to understand while preserving its accuracy, dignity, and power. This edition is ideal for students, teachers, philosophy readers, classics readers, and anyone who wants to understand Socrates without struggling through archaic or difficult language.

Author Plato

Book familyGreat Texts Translated to Modern English

CollectionPhilosophy

Available formatsKindle · Paperback

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