Socrates An Essay On Morality, Misdeeds, And A Martyr

Socrates: An Essay on Morality, Misdeeds, and a Martyr Few names in history have withstood the test of time, remaining currently studied and discussed to the point of familiarity. Socrates is one such unique name. A man of ethics and reason, Socrates would change history forever, creating a love of reason and knowledge unestablished by his predecessors. Despite the admiration and respect Socrates found in most Athenian circles, his revolutionary methods and inquisitive mind would eventually be his undoing. Socrates pursuit of the truth directly conflicted with the ideas of moral and social conformity, ultimately leading to his conviction under the very laws he deemed fair and just. I intend to argue that Socrates, though unfairly†¦show more content†¦They often found themselves at odds with Socrates because where the Sophists believed there were no one standard for truth or justice, Socrates believed moral excellence was attained through the active seeking of self-knowledge (Socrates). Also, Socrates found that often those more morally skewed and â€Å"foolish† were the elite and noble, the social class normally taught by the Sophists. As he continued to teach the youth of Athens newer more secular ways of thinking, he ostracized himself from some of the most powerful families in Athens with long Sophist ties, threatening their power. It was his threat to political power that eventually landed Socrates in court charged with the corruption of the Athenian youth and the promotion of his own gods rather than the gods of the state. Socrates defense was well executed, planned, and proved to be the stronger and more supported side of the trial. He begins by asking, Which is better, to live among bad citizens, or among good ones? as well as, Is there anyone who would rather be injured then benefitted by those who live with him?(Plato). He then goes on the offense. If he corrupted the youth of Athens, making them bad citizens, they would do harm to himself and others which isn t the case. Socrates was not a violent man despite having served in war and his followers were philosophers not criminals.