Apology

The Apology is Plato's version of the speech given by Socrates as he defended himself in 399 BCE against the charges of "corrupting the young, & by not believing in the gods in whom the city believes, but in other daimonia that are novel" (24b). "Apology" here has its earlier meaning (now usually expressed by the word "apologia") of speaking in defense of a cause or of one's beliefs or actions (from the Ancient Greek ἀπολογία). The Apology can be divided into three parts. The 1st is Socrates' own defense of himself & includes the most famous parts of the text, namely his recounting of the Oracle at Delphi & his cross-examination of Meletus. The 2nd part is the verdict. The 3rd part is the sentencing.