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- Title: Apology of Socrates
- Author: Plato
- Narrator: Michael Scott
- Length: 01:03:00
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 05/01/2006
- Publisher: Thought Audio
- Genre: Fiction & Literature, Essays & Anthologies
- ISBN13: SABTAXX978058
The “Apology of Socrates” audiobook, penned by Plato and brought to life through Michael Scott’s narration, is a timeless journey into the heart of philosophical inquiry. As a professor of literature with a deep-rooted passion for cross-cultural narratives and the evolution of storytelling, I found myself utterly captivated by this free audiobook experience. What fascinates me most is how this ancient text, delivered through the intimacy of audio, bridges the gap between 399 BC Athens and our modern sensibilities, inviting us to wrestle with questions of truth, ethics, and the human condition.
Through a cultural lens, the “Apology” resonates with me on a personal level. I recall my time as a visiting professor in Tokyo, where I first encountered Haruki Murakami’s “Kafka on the Shore”. Reading it in both Japanese and English revealed how language shapes narrative perception – an insight that echoes here as I listen to Socrates’ defense speech. The Greek “apología”, meaning a defense rather than an apology in our contemporary sense, unfolds with a clarity that feels both foreign and familiar. Scott’s narration enhances this duality, his voice carrying the weight of Socrates’ defiance while grounding it in a tone accessible to today’s listeners.
Plato’s recounting of Socrates’ trial is divided into three poignant acts: the defense, the verdict, and the sentencing. At its core, this dialogue is a masterclass in critical inquiry. Socrates stands accused of corrupting the youth and impiety, yet he transforms the courtroom into a stage for philosophical reflection. His method – questioning to unearth truth – shines as he challenges the Athenian elite, asserting that an unexamined life is not worth living. This reminds me of a seminar I taught at Berkeley, where we dissected how different mediums shape storytelling. Comparing the book, ebook, and audiobook versions of “Cloud Atlas”, my students and I marveled at how audio amplifies emotional resonance – a truth vividly apparent here as Scott’s delivery underscores Socrates’ moral courage.
Thematically, the “Apology” is a tapestry of intellectual rigor and practical wisdom. Socrates’ belief in the immortality of the soul and his refusal to fear death elevate the text beyond mere rhetoric. Plato positions him as a martyr for truth, a figure whose ethical authority critiques the political machinations of his time. As a scholar of literary theory, I appreciate how this dialogue employs rhetoric expansively – Socrates mocks traditional oratory as deceitful, yet his life’s work becomes a broader, more authentic form of persuasion. This interplay of form and content makes the “Apology” a foundational text in Western philosophy, influencing thinkers from Aristotle to the Stoics.
Michael Scott’s narration is a revelation. Known perhaps to some for his comedic roles, he brings an unexpected gravitas to this audiobook experience. His pacing is deliberate, allowing Socrates’ arguments to breathe and his irony to land with precision. The audio quality, crisp and unadorned, complements the text’s simplicity – there’s no need for embellishment when the words themselves carry such weight. At just over an hour, this free audiobook from Thought Audio is concise yet profound, making it an ideal entry point for those new to Classical Greek philosophy or seasoned listeners seeking a fresh perspective.
That said, the audiobook isn’t without its limitations. Scott’s measured tone, while effective, occasionally lacks the fiery passion one might imagine in Socrates’ voice as he faces his accusers. A touch more dynamism could have heightened the drama of the trial’s climactic moments. Additionally, the brevity of the recording – while a strength for accessibility – leaves little room for the silences that might deepen reflection. Still, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise stellar listening experience.
For comparison, the “Apology” sits alongside other Socratic dialogues like “Euthyphro” and “Crito”, which also probe ethics and justice. Yet it stands apart for its real-time courtroom setting, a stark contrast to Aristophanes’ satirical take in “The Clouds”. Where Aristophanes mocks Socrates, Plato immortalizes him, and Scott’s narration bridges that divide with a humanity that feels both timeless and immediate.
I recommend this free audiobook to anyone intrigued by philosophy, ethics, or the art of rhetoric. It’s perfect for students embarking on Classical studies, professionals seeking intellectual nourishment, or casual listeners curious about Socrates’ legacy. The fact that it’s available at no cost via Audiobooks.com only sweetens the deal – democratizing access to a text that champions the pursuit of knowledge.
Reflecting on this experience, I’m struck by how the “Apology” mirrors my own journey in literature. Like Socrates, I’ve spent years questioning narratives – whether through Murakami’s surreal landscapes or the digital storytelling I explored in my TEDx talk. This audiobook reaffirms why I’m drawn to stories that challenge us to examine our beliefs. It’s a reminder that wisdom isn’t static; it’s a living dialogue, one that Scott’s voice carries forward with quiet power.
With intellectual curiosity and literary appreciation, Prof. Emily Chen
