Overview
- Female: 0
- Male: 1
Context
Ms. Falcone is a lawyer for the defense in the trials against Lady Philosophy. She has called Socrates as her last witness. Despite his laid-back attitude, Socrates confirms that philosophy is at the root of all being.
to read the context for this scene from Philosophy on Trial and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Text
Judge: Ms Falcone, does the defense have another witness?
Ms. Falcone: The defense would like to call Socrates as our final witness.
Judge: Bailiff, call Socrates.
Bailiff: Socrates, born circa 469 BC!
[Socrates walks in, wearing a Hawaiian shirt with a lei, and straw sunhat, shorts and flip flops, holding a Margarita in one hand. ]
Socrates: ‘sup judge?
Bailiff: Socrates, please raise your right hand. Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?
Socrates: Right on!
Ms. Falcone: Mr. Socrates--
Socrates: Please, call me Socrates.
Ms. Falcone: Socrates, do you understand the gravity of this case? Philosophy, here, having been charged with the capital offense of corrupting the minds of the young, is facing capital punishment.
Socrates: Huh! Yeah--been there!
Ms. Falcone: Socrates--by the way, is that a Margarita you’re drinking?
Socrates: Well, it ain’t hemlock, I’ll tell you that.
Ms. Falcone: We have heard from a number of venerable witnesses today, witnesses who have provided a variety of perspectives on the history of Philosophy--a history filled with contentious debate, even slander; a history filled with controversy; a history marked at various times by despair, hope, terrible grief, and tremendous joy.
Socrates: Yeah, I guess me and Plato really started something.
Ms. Falcone: I would say you did. And I want to ask you if you would like to share your opinion on the matter before the court today.
Socrates: Certainly. But first, tell me, how do you think the case is going for you and your team so far today?
Ms. Falcone: Well, pretty good, I think.
Socrates: Splendid! Did you clarify Descartes’ position on the importance of taking nothing for granted.
Ms. Falcone: Yes
Socrates: Good man. And Nietzsche, he tends to go off sometimes--bit of a loose cannon. Did you keep him on point?
Ms. Falcone: We did the best we could, sir, and I think we managed to do alright.
Socrates: Excellent! Well, I don’t think you have anything to worry about, because deep down, everyone knows--you can’t get by without philosophy. I mean, who are you going to turn to when you get that sinking feeling that the only thing you know for sure is that you don’t know anything. Am I right?
Mr. Falcone: Absolutely right, sir.
Socrates: Good. Is there anything else?
Ms Falcone: No, uh, I mean, no more questions your honor.
Links
For licensing inquiries, please contact [email protected]
More Scenes
All scenes are the property and copyright of their owners.
Scenes are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this scene, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.