Trial Prep

RADICAL DEMOCRATS / SOCRATICS

Heading into the Trial of Socrates, the Radical Democrats and Socratics need to be thinking about four primary issues:

1) What are the charges against Socrates? What specific events are the basis for these charges? You should have examples in mind for all of these.

2) What is the potential defense for Socrates? Again, cite specific events or details ("Socrates was, like, a great philosopher" doesn't suffice). Even the Radical Democrats should anticipate this and prepare their arguments accordingly.

3) What motivates the indeterminates? You need to win them over to your side. How can you defend or attack Socrates in a way that speaks directly to their interests? I have biographies of all of the indeterminates available for the other groups, upon request.

4) What motivates your opposition? If you can expose their biases, you might be able to undermine their argument.

As a group, you should work through those four issues before ever beginning to work on speeches. Ideally, you would finish sorting through these matters today (Wednesday) and then coordinate and begin writing speeches in class on Thursday.

SPEECH REQUIREMENTS (For Radical Democrats and Socratics)

• Absolute minimum of 3 minutes in length, ideally closer to 5 minutes
• Note cards are allowed, but this should be spoken, not read
• Speak with passion, purpose - emotion and rhetorical flourishes are encouraged
• Each member must contribute something different to the team's case
• Be convincing; the winning side gets a bonus

AS FOR THE INDETERMINATES...

You're in a different position, obviously. First and foremost, the key point for you to keep in mind - you are not approaching this trial as enlightened, unbiased citizens of 21st century America. You are totally biased citizens of 4th century BC Athens. Your personal interests influence your decision. Sure, you should listen carefully to the evidence and weigh it, but your challenge is to get into your character's shoes and behave accordingly.

This week, while the other groups are preparing speeches, I would like you to still spend time talking through the issues. What is the nature of the charges facing Socrates? Which ones seem most serious to you? Imagine that the materials you have read so far represent the opening stage of the trial. Get a sense of where each of you sees things right now. Where does Socrates look to be in trouble, and what are the best arguments in his defense, as you see it.

Then, as a group, try to talk through each of your individual identities. For example, if you are the farmer, describe your background, your identity. Try to determine, as best you can, which issues are most important to you in this trial. Get feedback from the other indeterminates on whether your intuition is on the mark, or if you should see things a little differently.

Finally, review the backgrounds of the Socratics and Radical Democrats. What motivates them? Think about how they might try to manipulate you or misrepresent the evidence to fulfill their agenda.

INDETERMINATES IN WRITING LAB / CLASS

Please write up a description of your position as you enter this trial. Based on your background, which issues are of greatest interest or importance to you? Which charges against Socrates, or what evidence in support of those charges, seem most serious to you? What do you know about Socrates and what do you need to know in order to make your decision?

This is due at the end of the class period.