1. Topic Questions: You are to write a paper on Socrates' trial and death, which are well portrayed in the following three books (or dialogues): Defense of Socrates (Apology), Euthyphro, and Crito. The topic questions of your paper are as follows: Why do you think Socrates was tried and condemned to die?
There may be two interpretations of his trial and death, as we discussed in class: One is "Socrates as a martyr"; the other "Socrates as an anti-democratic." What are those two interpretations? Explain them in detail. Which one is more plausible for you? Are the two interpretations never compatible? Give your argument for your position to the interpretations.
That is,
(1) give your position (conclusion) such as "The martyr interpretation is more plausible.", "The anti-democratic interpretation is more plausible.", or "Both are compatible".
(2) give your evidences (premises, reasons) that support your position. If possible or necessary,
(3) criticize the weakness of the other position that seems not plausible for you.
2. Read Euthyphro and Crito as well as Defense of Socrates (Apology). Reading Euthyphro and Crito enlarges and enriches your view and argument for your position.
3. And also, the book, The Trial of Socrates by I. F. Stone will be much helpful for you. If you choose the interpretation of "Socrates as an anti-democratic" as your position, you will find evidences that support your position in some beginning chapters of the book.