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).
Plato
Plato wrote The Apology because he was disgusted with the politics that led to Socrates trial. The Apology was an account of Socrates defense of himself during the trial and was meant to honor him.
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.
The impression about the kind of man that Socrates was after reading the apology is that he was really good at heart. He tried to make it right with fellow men and his creator.
You can read the "Apology" by Plato to read what Socrates said during his trial.
Well this is kind of an opinion question, but my impression of Socrates was that he believes in what he preaches, and that he will stand by that no matter what (life or death).
According to Plato in the Apology, his teacher Socrates was convicted of 1.) Corrupting the youth and 2.) disrespecting the gods.
Socrates says that he is a constant reminder of the non-virtuous actions of his accusers.
Relevant writings such as Plato's Apology which give insight into the nature of Socrates would be a good start.