The Trial of Socrates

Introduction

OPEN's portfolio on the trial of Socrates was put together as a collaborative effort of OPEN curriculum developers and some of our teacher participants, who were interested in maintaining their year-long curriculum focus on law, government, and philosophy. Studying the trial of Socrates will give students an opportunity to compare that ancient trial to the trials of today, and shed light on how the courts and the judicial system operated in those times.

Socrates is considered the father of modern philosophy. He is also credited with creating the concept of the soul. Yet in his own lifetime he was punished for his unpopular ideas. He taught the youth of Athens to question the wisdom of their elders, and was charged with corrupting the youth.

OPEN students will have an opportunity to consider whether it is important for unpopular ideas to be heard, and they will be encouraged to question conventional wisdom. The exploration of issues such as these, and a possible dramatization of the trial itself should lead to lively class presentations during the live event.

Related Bibliography and References

Allen, Reginald E. Greek Philosophy: Thales to Aristotle. New York: The Free Press, 1966.
Aymar, Brandt and Sagarin, Edward. A Pictorial History of the World's Great Trials: From Socrates to Jean Harris. New York: Bonanza Books, 1985.
Cornford, F.M. Before and After Socrates. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1993.
Durant, Will. The Life of Greece. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1966.
Gaarder, Jostein. Sophie's World: A Novel about the History of Philosophy. New York: Berkley, 1997.
Lavine, T.Z.. From Socrates to Sartre: the Philosophic Quest. New York: Bantam Books, 1984.
Levy, Charles Kingsley. A Field Guide to Poisonous Plants and Mushrooms. Brattleboro: The Stephen Greene Press, 1984.
Osborne, Richard. Philosophy for Beginners. New York: Writers and Readers Publishing, 1992.
Plato. The Last Days of Socrates. New York: Penguin Books, 1993.
Lewin, Tamar."Schools Challenge Students' Internet Talk." The New York Times, March 8, 1998.
Stone, I. F. The Trial of Socrates. New York: Doubleday. 1989.
Edwards, Paul. Encyclopedia of Philosophy. New York: Macmillan Publishing Company, Inc. and The Free Press.

Related Web Sites

The Last Days of Socrates http://socrates.clarke.edu
Explore Ancient Greek Cultures http://eawc.evansville.edu/grpage.htm

CLASS PRESENTATIONS

Suggestions

VISUAL
Each class presentation should include a visual component. Create colorful charts diagrams, maps or art, which are large and clear enough for your classmates to see.

If you are doing a skit or a re-enactment of an historical event, costumes and props may count as the visual component of your project. Costumes may be simple, but everyone who is playing a part must wear some type of costume. For example, if you are playing the role of the minotaur, wear horns!

Props are important too. If you are Socrates getting ready to take your final gulp of hemlock -- carry a mug.

You may also want to consider making a backdrop, so that your classroom looks more like the ancient site.

THE REENACTMENT OR SKIT
If you do a skit or representation of these historical events, create a cast list, and assign duties among your students or classmates, such as set design, stage crew, writers, etc.

The cast list will consist of a list of all class members and the role they will play in the presentation. We at OPEN believe that the contributions of all students are essential to the success of any project. Often, it is the contributions of those behind the scenes that make what takes place in front of the camera or on stage possible. It is possible that all students may not have the opportunity to appear before the camera or on stage, or they may choose not to, yet their contributions are crucial to the development of the presentation. Everyone has unique talents and abilities. We at OPEN recognize that, and want to give students the opportunity to perform to the best of their individual abilities.