Socrates annoyed Athenians. He was vocally anti-democratic and critical of the ability of the masses to make informed decisions. Also, some of his students turned traitor during the Peloponnesian War. Lastly, his students were young aristocrats meaning Socrates teachings could undermine Athens itself. As a result, the city tried the philosopher for corrupting the youth and impiety (he also questioned the existence of the gods). His fellow citizens found him guilty and sentenced Socrates to death. In 399 B.C., he drank hemlock ending his life. Interestingly, Socrates was offered the opportunity to escape into exile, but declined. Perhaps he was curious about what comes after death.
Although Socrates trial is fascinating in itself, the philosopher is an important figure in world civilization. He changed the nature of western philosophy. Pre-Socratics focused on the physical nature of the universe. Socrates introduced the question-answer-question method of inquiry. After Socrates, philosophers began searching for truth. His method is still used in classrooms and law schools to this day.
Here is Socrates in popular culture:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EwaFkPMdlY
The Trial of Socrates:
http://www.law.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/socrates/socrates.HTM
Although Socrates trial is fascinating in itself, the philosopher is an important figure in world civilization. He changed the nature of western philosophy. Pre-Socratics focused on the physical nature of the universe. Socrates introduced the question-answer-question method of inquiry. After Socrates, philosophers began searching for truth. His method is still used in classrooms and law schools to this day.
Here is Socrates in popular culture:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EwaFkPMdlY
The Trial of Socrates:
http://www.law.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/socrates/socrates.HTM
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