The Apology

Apology is a Socratic dialogue written by the philosopher Xenophon. It consists of the speech of legal self-defense which Socrates stated at his prosecution for impiety and corruption of the youth in 399 BC.

Xenophon (c. 430–354 BC) was an ancient Greek historian, philosopher, soldier, and a disciple of Socrates. His contributions to literature are invaluable, particularly for his historical and philosophical writings which offer a window into Greek society and military affairs of his time. Xenophon's body of work spans numerous subjects, but he is perhaps most celebrated for his historical accounts, like 'Anabasis', which documents the expedition of the Ten Thousand, and 'Hellenica', which covers Greek history following the end of Thucydides's work.

One of Xenophon's significant philosophical texts is 'The Apology', wherein he provides his own version of the defense speech given by Socrates during his trial in 399 BC, presenting a contrasting perspective to that of his contemporary, Plato. Xenophon's 'Apology' tends to focus more on the personal characteristics of Socrates and the practicality of his philosophical viewpoints, thus serving as a crucial source for Socratic studies. His literary style is known for its clarity, simplicity, and straightforward narrative form which differed from the often ornate prose of his counterparts. Xenophon's works are studied for their historical accuracy and detail, and they contribute profoundly to our understanding of ancient Greek culture, military strategy, and philosophy.