On the basis of the comparisons and contrasts you drew on the reverse side of this
page, discuss the following questions in your small groups.
1. In light of the differences between the three authors’ portrayals of Socrates, do
you think that one of these portrayals is more historically accurate than the
others? To what extent do you think these authors are concerned with historical
accuracy?
2. Can the differences between these authors’ portrayals be explained by their
differing aims? Do their aims differ? If so, how?
3. Choose two of the texts relating to Socrates that we have studied. What is the
most striking difference in the portrayal of Socrates between those two texts?
What explanation would you give of this difference?