Is Anyone Wiser Than Socrates

Introduction Socrates was a renowned philosopher for his method of learning and inquiry known as the Socratic Method . However this inquiry led him to expose Government corruption and be annoying to the powerful people of Athens. In the end though Socrates was primarily put on trial for the atrocities his students committed. Socrates loved Athens, even though his students harmed the state, he was not guilty of his charges nor of Athens ' loss in the Peloponnesian War. The Oracle at Delphi answered no to the question "Is anyone wiser than Socrates?" Socrates says he know nothing in response, but later learns that politicians, poets, and even craftsmen knew nothing. So he goes out and educates the people. Some of these people end up becoming

This Oligarchy exiled and murdered thousands of people and took their property. The leaders of this regime were coined "The Thirty Tyrants". It was rumored that Socrates supported these "Thirty Tyrants" and when they ordered Socrates to arrest Leon of Salamis he refused, but didn 't care to warn Leon of impending danger. After democracy was restored in Athens, Socrates was considered a pest and called "gadfly" because of his inquiry, using the Socratic method he was exposing issues with Athenian politicians. He claimed that he was "a sort of gadfly, given to the state by God; and the state is a great and noble steed who is tardy in his motions owing to his very size, and requires to be stirred into life." He does this by showing the public that the politicians had no knowledge of their craft. He was prodding the Athens along a road of new knowledge, but some of the politicians he exposed as airheads were humiliated and wanted revenge. After what the students of Socrates did, they could exact

The only accounts of the trial of Socrates are rather partial towards Socrates as they are written by Xenophon and Plato. Not much is known about Meletus other than what is told in Plato 's Apology, he is portrayed as the main accuser even though many believe he was a puppet. Meletus is thought to be a religious fanatic who cares more about Socrates ' impiety charges He is also thought to be a poet who was angered by Socrates ' low opinion of poets. Others believe both could be true. Anytus was charged with treason during the Peloponnesian War however he was part of the oligarchy resistance movement making him popular and a high up politician in Athens. He cared neither for Socrates ' criticism of the government nor of Socrates ' effect on his son. Lycon was the third accuser, he is known to be an orator, a profession Socrates considered to be for claiming power without regard for truth. All of his opponents looked upon Socrates and his views as threats when he was demonstrating constructive criticism by commenting on how their craft could be improved upon. This was mainly the charge of Anytus, not only because of the effect Socrates had on his son, but also fear of Socrates spreading his political outlook on the political