Part I ✦ The Apology: Socrates on Trial: how to get yourself sentenced to death.

Sunday 7 June 2026, 7:00pm-7:45pm (UK Time) | Enrolment Now Open | Online Only

Part II ✦ The Great Escape- or not: Socrates defends his decision to face the death penalty for which his fellow citizens voted.

Sunday 21 June 2026, 7:00pm-7:45pm (UK Time) | Enrolment Now Open | Online Only

The concluding seminars in this series, led by John Claughton, examine Plato’s portrayal of Socrates at the most critical moment of his life. Through a reading of the Apology and Crito, participants will explore the trial, imprisonment, and death of Socrates, and consider enduring questions concerning justice, conscience, citizenship, and the relationship between the individual and the law.

In 399 BCE, Socrates was put to death by the Athenians for 'corrupting the young and not believing in the gods that the city believes in'. Socrates wrote nothing so that our central source is his pupil, Plato, who gives us a version of what Socrates said at his trial. The Apology of Socrates is no apology. It is his defence, which failed to persuade the 501 Athenian citizens who were sitting in judgement. Plato also wrote two dialogues which are set in Socrates' prison cell. The Phaedo describes Socrates' last day and his death. The Crito presents a dialogue between Socrates and his close friend, Crito. Crito urges Socrates to escape from the prison but Socrates will have none of it. He stays to abide by the laws of the city in which he has lived his life.

Registration for Seminar 4 (Parts I & II) is £25 per participant.