The Department of Philosophy at the College of Arts, University of Basrah organized a panel discussion on the defense of Socrates between Xenophon and Plato.

The panel discussion, in which Professor Dr. Maha Issa Al-Abdullah lectured, included an emphasis on the personality of Socrates and his position in relation to Greek philosophy in particular and to philosophy in general.

The panel discussion discussed the importance of Socrates’ defense, as it is a document that proves beyond doubt the existence of Socrates and denies what is said that Socrates, this character, was created by Plato.

A presentation of the scene of Socrates’ defense, as presented to us by Xenophon, and a rejection of that scene that oppressed Socrates when he presented it in a way that arouses pity for him. In addition to a presentation of the scene of Socrates’ defense, as presented to us by Plato, and the importance of that scene, which depicted for us the noble, strong, cohesive character of Socrates, which is in harmony with and expresses Socrates himself.

The panel discussion touched on the scene of Athenian social, political and economic life that prevailed at that time, which was a reason for misunderstanding Socrates’ message to spread true awareness and not false awareness, which ultimately caused the loss of Socrates’ human thought. And linking thought to everything that happens in life in terms of conflict, changes, and challenges. Greek thought was not separate from its reality, of which it is a part.