Trial of Socrates

Definition

The Trial of Socrates was a pivotal event in the life of the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates, where he was put on trial and ultimately sentenced to death by the Athenian authorities. This trial is considered a defining moment in Socrates' legacy as a paradigmatic historical philosopher.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Socrates was put on trial in 399 BCE for the charges of impiety and corrupting the youth of Athens.
2. The trial was presided over by a jury of 501 Athenian citizens, and Socrates was ultimately found guilty and sentenced to death by drinking a poisonous hemlock potion.
3. Socrates' defense in the trial, as recorded by his student Plato in the work known as the Apology, is considered a masterpiece of philosophical rhetoric and a testament to Socrates' unwavering commitment to his principles.
4. The Trial of Socrates is seen as a pivotal moment in the development of Western philosophy, as it highlighted the tensions between the philosopher's pursuit of truth and the demands of the state.
5. Socrates' execution by the Athenian authorities has been interpreted as a symbol of the conflict between the individual and the state, and has had a lasting impact on the way we understand the role of the philosopher in society.

Review Questions

• Describe the charges that were brought against Socrates during his trial.
  • Socrates was put on trial in 399 BCE for the charges of impiety and corrupting the youth of Athens. The charge of impiety was related to Socrates' perceived lack of respect for the Athenian gods, while the charge of corrupting the youth was based on the belief that his philosophical teachings were undermining the moral fabric of Athenian society. These charges were brought against Socrates by a group of his political enemies, who saw him as a threat to the established order.
• Analyze the significance of Socrates' defense in the trial, as recorded in Plato's Apology.
  • Socrates' defense in the trial, as recorded by his student Plato in the work known as the Apology, is considered a masterpiece of philosophical rhetoric and a testament to Socrates' unwavering commitment to his principles. In the Apology, Socrates argues that his pursuit of truth and his questioning of the beliefs and assumptions of his fellow citizens are not acts of impiety or corruption, but rather a service to the city of Athens. He refuses to compromise his principles, even in the face of the death sentence, and his unyielding stance has made the Trial of Socrates a defining moment in the history of Western philosophy.
• Evaluate the broader significance of the Trial of Socrates for the development of Western philosophy and the role of the philosopher in society.
  • The Trial of Socrates is seen as a pivotal moment in the development of Western philosophy, as it highlighted the tensions between the philosopher's pursuit of truth and the demands of the state. Socrates' execution by the Athenian authorities has been interpreted as a symbol of the conflict between the individual and the state, and has had a lasting impact on the way we understand the role of the philosopher in society. The Trial of Socrates has inspired generations of philosophers to question the boundaries of authority and to defend the freedom of thought and expression, even in the face of persecution. It remains a powerful reminder of the enduring importance of the philosopher's role in challenging the status quo and pushing the boundaries of human knowledge and understanding.

Related terms

Apology: The Apology is Plato's account of the speech Socrates gave in his own defense during his trial, where he argued against the charges of impiety and corrupting the youth of Athens.

Hemlock: Hemlock is the poisonous plant that Socrates was forced to drink as his method of execution, following his conviction and death sentence.

Elenchus: The Elenchus is Socrates' method of questioning and cross-examination, which he used to challenge the beliefs and assumptions of his interlocutors, and which played a central role in his trial and ultimate downfall.