Asking questions and making people think of it.
Socrates was accused of violating two Athenian laws 1. Teaching new gods and 2 corrupting the youth. or Not believing in the gods
Plato, the avid student of Socrates, described the condemnation of Socrates and the decline of Athens in these works:1. Euthyphro; 2. The Apology; 3.Crito; and 4. Phaedo.
According to Plato in the dialogue called Apology (which means "Defense"), Socrates became a philosopher because he doubted the oracle at Delphi (a holy site of the God, Apollo) when the orcale claimed that Socrates was the wisest man in Greece. Socrates says that he didn't believe this at all, so he began talking to people who had reputations for wisdom. What he discovered was that they weren't as wise as they thought; in fact, they often didn't know what they were talking about--so Socrates came to the conclusion that he, Socrates, was actually the wisest man only because of this: he at least realized that he wasn't wise.You can read this part of the dialogue yourself and see what else you notice--just search for the word "oracle" after you follow the link (listed below under Sources and Related Links.
Apology
Did he in fact give a public apology to the Jews? (It would be useful to have the context).
The Apology of Socrates was written by Plato, a student of Socrates. It is a record of Socrates' defense speech at his trial in Athens where he was accused of corrupting the youth and impiety.
Plato wrote "The Apology" as a dialogue recounting Socrates's defense during his trial in Athens. The text explores Socrates's commitment to truth and philosophy, his questioning of conventional beliefs, and his willingness to face death rather than compromise his principles. It serves as a powerful reflection on the importance of standing firm in one's convictions and the pursuit of wisdom despite adversity.
The Apology is an interpretation of the philosopher Socrates' speech by fellow philosopher Plato. At the end of the speech, Socrates dies.
Socrates proposes a sentence for his crimes.
the oracle
The defense speech of Socrates on trial.
My impression of Socrates from the Apology is that he was principled, courageous, and intellectually sharp. While he may have been viewed as eccentric by some due to his unconventional beliefs and approach to philosophy, I find him inspiring for his unwavering commitment to seeking truth and moral integrity, even in the face of death.
At his trial in 399 BC, Socrates stated that he was not afraid of death because he did not know what it truly meant. He also argued that the pursuit of wisdom and the improvement of one's soul should be the highest priorities in life. Socrates famously stated that "the unexamined life is not worth living."
From the "Apology," Socrates comes across as a wise and humble individual who is dedicated to seeking truth and wisdom through philosophy. He appears unapologetic for his beliefs and actions, standing firm in his commitment to questioning authority and encouraging critical thinking. Socrates also demonstrates his sincerity and integrity by choosing to face death rather than compromise his principles.
Socrates was convicted of impiety (disrespecting the gods) and corrupting the youth of Athens. These charges were brought against him by his fellow citizens during his trial in 399 BC.
Socrates says that he is a constant reminder of the non-virtuous actions of his accusers.
We know about Socrates' philosophy mainly through the writings of his students, particularly Plato and Xenophon. These dialogues provide insights into Socrates' ideas and methods, including his emphasis on self-examination, questioning assumptions, and the pursuit of truth through dialogue. Additionally, other ancient sources, such as Aristophanes' plays, also offer some information about Socrates' teachings and character.