Rachel Sargent
1. In Creon's speech on pages 7-9 of Antigone he states his moral philosophy.
Is he true to it?
2. In light of what Creon says in lines 1113-4 on page 48 is his decision to
change his mind in keeping with his previous motivations?
3. In Crito, Socrates has a lengthy speech on what the Laws might say if they
were personified. Do these views allow for civil disobedience?

Nilima Abrams
Discuss Socrates' position regarding responsibility to the laws. Is he
dogmatically adhering to "neutral" principles as discussed in "taking sides?"
Or is there a greater good for future generations in setting a precedent of
following the laws? You may want to consider his statements regarding the fact
that he could've left if he was dissatisfied.

On page 64, Socrates says one should not care what the majority thinks, he goes
on to say that in making decisions we should listen to the wise, not just to
anyone. Later, he says that if he were exiled, poeple would look down upon him.
Can these statements be reconciled? It appears he is saying you should only
care about what the wise think, but, clearly he didn't think the jury was wise,
yet abides by their decision.

Is Socrates just stubborn and proud, or does he really believe in keeping ones
word, or in this case, commitment to follow the laws?

Zuzana Srostlik
1) Fisk seems to work in an imaginary world where anti-discriminatory laws don't have to be made because nobody discriminates and everybody gets along. Now in the real world, that isn't true. Can some, if any, of his ideas be applied in the real world?

2) Does Socrates have respect for anyone or their profession but himself and his own?

3) In 47a-b, from where does Socrates' definition of good opinions are from wise men and bad opinions are from foolish men come? A wise man could tell you something completely wrong or foolish - yet the basis of the following arguments follow from Socrates' definition, without a supporting reason.

Ashley Orenberg
1. How does the film Oleanna correspond to the Socratic dialogues? Why would Professor Bailly have the class watch this film in the midst of reading the Euthyphro, the Apology of Socrates, and the Crito?
2. Chomsky states that the reason why ³you often see a quick shift among intellectuals from one position to another [is because they¹re] not changing [their] position at all-[they¹re] just changing [their] judgment as to where power lies.² Would you agree that that is what occurred between Euthyphro and Socrates during their discussion? Would you agree that Euthyphro did not necessarily change his position or his belief in what is pious and impious. Rather he merely recognized that Socrates held more power than he did in being able to express his views?
Additionally, could you say this is what happened in the film Oleanna? Could you say that Oleanna didn¹t necessarily change her position, but she instead realized the shift in power and took advantage of the power she felt she now possessed over the professor?
3. ³What really infuriates [Chomsky] is how the intellectual classes use their skills and knowledge to prop up power.² Would Socrates infuriate Chomsky? Given what we know about Chomsky and Socrates, would Chomsky claim that Socrates is neglecting his ³primary duty² of ³questioning power² or rather is he fulfilling his duty?

Nathan Mahany
1. Consider the form of rationality utilized by Socrates when he chose death
over dishonoring his country. Would you consider his actions irrational in any
way? Explain.
2. Given that it was the “majority” that convicted Socrates, and that it is this
majority who determines what is just or in just, should Socrates really be
concerned with what people consider just or in just. According to his argument
on page 36, shouldn’t he ignore the law? Why or why not?
3. How is the situation of Socrates and his followers similar to that of Jesus
and the deciples? Was Crito more worried about Socrates or his own welfare and
reputation?

Liz Guenard
1. Does religion have a role in The Apology? If so, how does Socrates use the old Greek gods and stories to articulate his case? What are his views? Do you believe them to be synthesized with pantheism or monotheism?

2. Compare Stanley Fisk's Taking Sides to Plato's Apology. How are Fisk's problems with principle played out in The Apology? How would you interpret Socrates' stance on principile and that of his Athenian accusers? How does this ultimately determine the fate of Socrates?

3. Socrates questions Crito about the opinion of good, honest men versus the opinion of many. How does this echo Fisk's Taking Sides? How does Socrates' dialogue define the power of these two sides and how does he use them to convince Crito that he shouldn't escape?