... who argues a defence of someone or something, and "apologetics" is still a discipline or system of argued defence of something, usually a doctrine, cause, or institution. Socrates' speech thus might be translated The Defence of Socrates without the possible confusion over the modern meaning; but after long usage, it is hard to imagine calling the Apology anything else. In Greek law courts, citizens served as their own defence attorneys (or prosecutors, if they were the ones bringing the indictment). There were many versions of Socrates' speech; many writers wrote "apologies". It should be noted that the Apology is not a "dialogue" in the strict sense, in the manner of Plato's other dialogues. Socrates is doing most of the speaking. In fact, this is a sign that, to some extent, communication with his fellow citizens had broken down. Nor can Socrates hope to "educate" the whole crowd of 501 judges (citizens ...

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