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THE DEATH OF SOCRATES

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HOW SOCRATES DIED

"SOCRATESdeath.pdf" is a collection of Plato's dialogues focusing on Socrates' trial, imprisonment, and death. The Apology details Socrates' defense against charges of impiety and corrupting youth. The Crito examines Socrates' decision to accept his death sentence, emphasizing civic duty. The Phaedo recounts Socrates' final day, exploring the immortality of the soul. An excerpt from Euthyphro further examines Socrates' views on piety and justice through a conversation with Euthyphro. Finally, a biography of Socrates summarizes his life and philosophical contributions.

FAQ: Socrates and the Concept of Piety

1. What were the charges brought against Socrates?

Socrates was accused of impiety and corrupting the youth of Athens. Meletus, his primary accuser, claimed that Socrates invented new gods and denied the existence of the old ones. This charge stemmed from Socrates's unorthodox religious views and his practice of questioning traditional beliefs.

2. How did Socrates respond to the accusations of impiety?

Instead of directly defending himself, Socrates engaged in a philosophical dialogue with Euthyphro, a man who considered himself an expert on piety. Through a series of questions, Socrates challenged Euthyphro's understanding of piety, ultimately demonstrating the inconsistencies and contradictions in his definitions.

3. What is the central question Socrates explored in his dialogue with Euthyphro?

The core issue of the dialogue is the definition of piety. Socrates sought to understand the essence of piety, aiming to establish a clear and universally applicable standard for judging actions as pious or impious.

4. How does Socrates challenge Euthyphro's initial definitions of piety?

Euthyphro first defines piety as "doing as I am doing," which is prosecuting his father for murder. Socrates points out that this is merely an example, not a definition. Euthyphro then suggests that piety is what is loved by the gods, but Socrates highlights that the gods often disagree, leading to the paradoxical conclusion that the same action could be both pious and impious.

5. What is the significance of Socrates's analogy of the "Daedalus" in the dialogue?

Socrates compares himself to Daedalus, the mythical craftsman who created moving statues. He uses this analogy to point out that he merely sets arguments in motion, prompting others to examine their own beliefs. Euthyphro, however, claims that Socrates is a greater Daedalus, making even the arguments of others move in circles.

6. How does Socrates connect the concepts of piety and justice?

Socrates asserts that piety is a part of justice. He proposes that while all pious actions are just, not all just actions are pious. He asks Euthyphro to define what specific part of justice constitutes piety, urging him to go beyond mere attributes.

7. What is the ultimate outcome of the dialogue between Socrates and Euthyphro?

The dialogue ends without a definitive answer to the question of piety's essence. Euthyphro, unable to withstand Socrates's relentless questioning, ultimately leaves in frustration. However, the dialogue itself serves as a powerful example of Socrates's method of seeking truth through persistent inquiry.

8. How does Socrates's approach to his own trial reflect his philosophical principles?

During his trial, Socrates remains true to his philosophical convictions. He refuses to compromise his integrity by begging for mercy or appealing to the emotions of the jury. Instead, he continues to challenge conventional thinking, arguing that the pursuit of wisdom and virtue should be prioritized above all else. His willingness to face death rather than abandon his principles exemplifies his unwavering commitment to truth and self-examination.

A Socratic Study Guide: Examining Piety, Justice, and the Good Life

• Why is Socrates being prosecuted?
• What is Euthyphro's definition of piety?
• How does Socrates challenge Euthyphro's initial understanding of piety?
• Explain the analogy of the beloved and the lover in relation to the definition of piety.
• What is the significance of the comparison between piety and attention to horses?
• What does Socrates suggest is the true purpose of a judge?
• What is the "gift of the deity" to the city of Athens, according to Socrates?
• Why does Socrates believe it is better for him to remain in Athens than to go into exile?
• What is the central argument the Laws use to persuade Socrates to remain in prison?
• How does Socrates view death?

• Socrates is being prosecuted by Meletus for impiety, which includes accusations of corrupting the youth and inventing new gods.
• Euthyphro defines piety as doing what is dear to the gods and impiety as doing what is not dear to them.
• Socrates challenges Euthyphro by pointing out that the gods often disagree about what is just and unjust, making it possible for an action to be both pious and impious.
• The analogy highlights that something is not holy because it is loved by the gods; rather, it is loved by the gods because it is inherently holy. This separates the essence of holiness from its attribute of being loved.
• The analogy demonstrates that true attention, in the context of piety, should aim to benefit or improve the object of that attention. Piety, therefore, should not be simply about pleasing the gods with sacrifices or gifts.
• Socrates argues that a judge should not be swayed by emotions or personal opinions, but should instead uphold the law and strive to judge rightly.
• Socrates sees himself as a "gadfly" sent by the deity to awaken the Athenians and encourage them to prioritize virtue and the pursuit of truth above material wealth and social status.
• Socrates believes that going into exile would be disobeying the deity's command for him to continue his philosophical work in Athens. He also argues that true service to his city requires him to stay and confront its flaws, even if it means facing death.
• The Laws argue that Socrates has an implicit contract with the city by choosing to live there and benefit from its laws. By disobeying the court's judgment, he is breaking this contract and undermining the foundation of the state.
• Socrates views death as potentially a blessing. It could be either a peaceful sleep or a journey to a better place where he can converse with great minds of the past and continue his philosophical inquiries.

• Explore the concept of the Socratic Method as demonstrated in the dialogues Euthyphro and The Apology. How does Socrates use questions to expose contradictions and lead others toward self-examination?
• Analyze the different definitions of piety that Euthyphro presents in the dialogue. How does Socrates dismantle each definition, and what does this reveal about the nature of true piety?
• In The Apology, Socrates argues that "the unexamined life is not worth living." Explain the significance of this statement and discuss its implications for individual and societal growth.
• Compare and contrast the accusations against Socrates in Euthyphro and The Apology. What do these accusations suggest about the nature of Athenian society and the challenges faced by those who question the status quo?
• To what extent is Socrates a model citizen? Consider his commitment to truth, his obedience to the law, and his willingness to sacrifice his life for his beliefs.

Piety (osion): Right conduct or duty towards the gods. The central concept debated in the dialogue Euthyphro.

Impiety: The opposite of piety, actions that are disrespectful or offensive to the gods.

The Socratic Method: A form of inquiry and debate characterized by a series of questions designed to expose contradictions, challenge assumptions, and ultimately lead individuals closer to truth and understanding.

Gadfly: A metaphor used by Socrates to describe his role in Athenian society. He sees himself as a stinging insect that provokes and awakens people from complacency.

Delphic Oracle: A sacred site in ancient Greece where people sought prophecies and guidance from the god Apollo. Socrates refers to the Delphic Oracle's proclamation that he is the wisest man.

The Thirty Tyrants: A brief oligarchical regime that ruled Athens after the Peloponnesian War. Socrates mentions his defiance of the Thirty as evidence of his commitment to justice.

The Laws: In Crito, the Laws are personified and presented as having a voice that speaks directly to Socrates, arguing that he has a moral obligation to obey the state.

Table of Contents: The Trial and Death of Socrates

Source 1: Excerpts from "The Socratic Dialogue" and "The Great Mystery" by Edward Brooks Jr.

I. Introduction (pgs. 6-8)

• Socrates is found at the Porch of the King Archon, where he encounters Euthyphro, who is prosecuting his own father for murder. This encounter leads to a discussion on the nature of piety and impiety, a central theme throughout the dialogue.

II. Defining Piety (pgs. 8-16)

• Euthyphro attempts to define piety, initially claiming it is “doing as I am doing”, highlighting the tension between traditional beliefs and philosophical inquiry. Socrates challenges this definition, pushing Euthyphro to articulate a more universal understanding of piety.

III. Divine Quarrels and Human Disagreements (pgs. 16-23)

• Socrates and Euthyphro debate whether the gods' actions can serve as a model for piety, considering the conflicting narratives of divine conduct present in mythology. This section underscores the complexities of relating human justice to divine actions.

IV. The Nature of Piety and Attention to the Gods (pgs. 23-28)

• Socrates investigates the concept of "attention" in relation to the gods, questioning whether piety, understood as attention to the gods, actually benefits them. The dialogue explores the nature of service and sacrifice to the divine.

V. The Exchange Between Gods and Men (pgs. 28-31)

• Socrates and Euthyphro analyze the nature of prayer and sacrifice, questioning what benefit the gods receive from human offerings. This section raises the question of the nature of the relationship between humanity and the divine.

VI. Justice and Piety (pgs. 31-32)

• The dialogue shifts to the relationship between justice and piety, with Socrates prompting Euthyphro to consider whether all that is pious is just, and vice versa. This sets the stage for the upcoming trial of Socrates, where he faces charges of impiety.

Source 2: Excerpts from "The Apology of Socrates" by Plato

VII. Introduction: Socrates’ Defense Against Early Accusers (pgs. 32-35)

• Socrates addresses the long-standing rumors and accusations against him, attributing his unpopularity to his commitment to seeking truth and exposing ignorance, a pursuit inspired by the Delphic Oracle.

VIII. The Oracle at Delphi and the Search for Wisdom (pgs. 35-39)

• Socrates recounts his experience of consulting the Oracle at Delphi, which declared him the wisest man. He describes his subsequent quest to test this claim, examining those reputed to be wise and finding them lacking.

IX. Rebuttal of Melitus’ Charges of Corrupting the Youth (pgs. 39-43)

• Socrates systematically dismantles Melitus’ accusation of corrupting the youth, highlighting Melitus' own lack of concern for their well-being and demonstrating the absurdity of the charge.

X. Socrates' Religious Beliefs and Defense Against Impiety (pgs. 43-46)

• Socrates clarifies his religious beliefs, arguing that his acceptance of demons (divine beings) necessitates belief in gods, thus refuting Melitus’ claim of atheism. He emphasizes his obedience to divine command in pursuing his philosophical mission.

XI. Socrates' Commitment to Philosophy and the City (pgs. 46-50)

• Socrates defends his life choices, emphasizing his dedication to philosophy and service to the city above personal gain or political ambition. He provides examples from his life demonstrating his unwavering commitment to justice.

XII. Refuting Charges of Corrupting the Youth: Testimonials (pgs. 50-53)

• Socrates invites his accusers to present evidence of his alleged corruption of the youth, pointing out the absence of any individuals claiming to have been harmed by his influence. He highlights the support he receives from family and friends as a testament to his character.

XIII. Declining Emotional Pleas and Upholding Judicial Integrity (pgs. 53-56)

• Socrates explains his refusal to employ emotional pleas or exploit his family to sway the jury, upholding the importance of rational discourse and respect for legal oaths in the pursuit of justice.

XIV. Acceptance of the Death Penalty and Assertion of Innocence (pgs. 56-57)

• Socrates accepts the jury’s verdict of death but maintains his innocence, arguing that a life spent pursuing virtue is not deserving of punishment. He proposes maintenance in the Prytaneum as a just reward for his service to the city.

Source 3: Excerpt from the last part of Socrates' Death

XV. Final Hours: Farewell and Preparation (pgs. 81-83)

• Socrates' composure in his final hours is described, including his bath, farewell to family, and calm acceptance of his fate. The account emphasizes his dignity and unwavering commitment to his principles in the face of death.

XVI. Consolation and Reflections (pgs. 83-85)

• Socrates' final moments are recounted, including his conversation with friends, prayer for a happy journey to the afterlife, and peaceful death. The excerpt highlights the enduring impact of Socrates' life and teachings on his followers.

Source 4: Excerpt from "Socrates" and "Zeno and Stoicism"

XVII. A Brief Biography (pgs. 87-88)

• A concise overview of Socrates' life, emphasizing his commitment to moral and intellectual reform, his unconventional teaching style, and his unwavering pursuit of truth, even in the face of persecution and death.

XVIII. Socrates' Influence on Zeno and Stoicism (pgs. 96)

• This section traces the influence of Socrates' thought on Zeno, the founder of Stoicism. It highlights the lasting impact of Socratic principles on subsequent philosophical schools, specifically emphasizing the importance of reason, virtue, and the human soul in Stoic philosophy.

Briefing Doc: Socrates, Athenian Gadfly and Martyr for Truth

This briefing doc examines excerpts from "The Socratic Dialogue" and "The Apology of Socrates," focusing on key themes and important facts about Socrates' life, philosophy, and trial.

Main Themes:

• The Nature of Piety: The dialogue "Euthyphro" probes the essence of piety, highlighting Socrates' relentless pursuit of truth through questioning. Euthyphro's attempts to define piety are repeatedly challenged, demonstrating the limitations of superficial and culturally bound understandings of religious concepts.
• The Unexamined Life: Socrates famously declares, "the unexamined life is not worth living for." This theme resonates throughout his teachings and defense. He dedicates himself to examining himself and others, provoking critical thought and challenging societal assumptions.
• Obedience to a Higher Law: Socrates prioritizes obedience to divine principles and reason above societal laws and expectations. He faces death rather than compromising his values or abandoning his philosophical mission.
• Corruption of the Youth: Socrates stands accused of corrupting the youth by challenging religious beliefs and undermining traditional authority. He argues that his pursuit of truth actually benefits society and that his accusers misunderstand his intentions.

Important Ideas/Facts:

• Socratic Method: Socrates employs a distinctive method of questioning, known as the Socratic method, to expose contradictions in beliefs and guide individuals toward deeper understanding. He rarely offers definitive answers but instead utilizes a dialectical process to stimulate critical thinking.
• The Oracle at Delphi: The oracle at Delphi famously declared Socrates the wisest man. Socrates interprets this as a recognition of his awareness of his own ignorance, contrasting it with the false confidence of those who claim knowledge without true understanding.
• Poverty and Service: Socrates emphasizes his poverty as evidence of his genuine dedication to philosophy and service to the city. He asserts that he never accepted payment for his teachings, making his poverty a testament to his integrity.
• The Gadfly Analogy: Socrates compares himself to a gadfly that keeps Athens awake and alert. He sees his role as provoking thought and challenging complacency, even if it leads to discomfort or opposition.
• Refusal to Compromise: During his trial, Socrates refuses to beg for mercy or appeal to the emotions of the jury. He maintains his integrity and remains true to his principles, even in the face of death.

Quotes from the Sources:

• On Piety: "Tell me what is the nature of this idea [piety], and then I shall have a standard to which I may look, and by which I may measure actions, whether yours or those of any one else..."
• On the Unexamined Life: "...but that a life without investigation is not worth living for..."
• On Obedience to a Higher Law: "...I shall obey God rather than you; and so long as I breathe and am able, I shall not cease studying philosophy..."
• On Corruption of the Youth: "...if I make any one of my associates depraved, I shall be in danger of receiving some evil from him; and yet I designedly bring about this so great evil, as you say? In this I cannot believe you, Melitus..."
• The Gadfly Analogy: "...so the deity appears to have united me, being such a person as I am, to the city, that I may rouse you, and persuade and reprove every one of you, nor ever cease besetting you throughout the whole day."
• Refusal to Compromise: "For a judge does not sit for the purpose of administering justice out of favor, but that he may judge rightly, and he is sworn not to show favor to whom he pleases, but that he will decide according to the laws."

Conclusion:

Socrates emerges from these texts as a complex and compelling figure. He is a dedicated philosopher who tirelessly pursues truth, a provocateur who challenges societal norms, and a martyr who dies for his principles. His legacy continues to inspire critical thinking and ethical reflection.

Before the Trial:

• Unknown Time: Socrates, an Athenian philosopher, dedicates his life to questioning and challenging the beliefs and values of his fellow citizens, particularly those who claim to be wise. He gains a reputation for wisdom and for corrupting the youth.
• Unknown Time: Chaerephon, a friend of Socrates, consults the Oracle at Delphi about Socrates' wisdom. The Oracle declares that no one is wiser than Socrates.
• Unknown Time: Socrates, spurred by the Oracle's pronouncement, interrogates various individuals reputed to be wise, including politicians and poets, but finds them lacking in true knowledge.
• Unknown Time: Socrates develops a following of young men, who enjoy his method of questioning and begin to imitate him. This leads to further accusations of corrupting the youth.
• Unknown Time: Euthyphro, a self-proclaimed expert on piety, prosecutes his own father for murder. Socrates engages him in a dialogue about the nature of piety.

The Trial:

• 399 BC: Meletus, a young and little-known man, brings formal charges against Socrates for impiety and corrupting the youth. Anytus and Lycon join Meletus in prosecuting Socrates.
• 399 BC: Socrates defends himself in court. He argues that he is innocent of the charges, claiming his mission is divinely ordained and that he has only ever sought to improve his fellow citizens.
• 399 BC: Socrates, refusing to beg for mercy or compromise his principles, is found guilty and sentenced to death by drinking hemlock.

After the Trial:

• 399 BC: Crito, a wealthy friend of Socrates, visits him in prison and urges him to escape. Socrates engages in a dialogue with Crito about the nature of justice and the duty of a citizen.
• 399 BC: Socrates decides to obey the law and accept his fate. He drinks the hemlock and dies peacefully surrounded by his friends.
• After 399 BC: Zeno of Citium, inspired by the writings of Xenophon about Socrates, becomes a philosopher and founds the Stoic school of philosophy, carrying forward some of Socrates' key beliefs.

Socrates: The protagonist of the sources. A renowned Athenian philosopher known for his method of questioning and challenging conventional wisdom. He is accused and convicted of impiety and corrupting the youth, ultimately sentenced to death.

Meletus: A young man, little known to Socrates, who acts as the primary accuser in the trial. He charges Socrates with impiety and corrupting the youth.

Anytus: A powerful Athenian politician and tanner. He joins Meletus in prosecuting Socrates, likely motivated by personal grudges and resentment towards Socrates' criticism of politicians.

Lycon: An Athenian orator who joins Meletus and Anytus in prosecuting Socrates. His motivations are less clear, but he likely shares their animosity towards Socrates.

Euthyphro: A self-proclaimed religious expert who engages Socrates in a dialogue about piety while prosecuting his own father for murder. He represents the kind of individual Socrates often challenges – one who claims knowledge without true understanding.

Chaerephon: A friend of Socrates, now deceased, who consulted the Oracle at Delphi about Socrates' wisdom. The Oracle's response declaring Socrates the wisest man fuels Socrates' philosophical quest.

Crito: A loyal and wealthy friend of Socrates who visits him in prison and tries to persuade him to escape. He represents the personal attachment and admiration many held for Socrates.

Plato: A young follower of Socrates, present at his trial and during his final days in prison. He would later become a renowned philosopher himself, greatly influenced by Socrates.

Zeno of Citium: A philosopher inspired by the writings of Xenophon about Socrates. He later founds the Stoic school of philosophy, demonstrating Socrates' lasting impact on philosophical thought.

CLASS ASSIGNMENTS FOR WEEK ONE. Due at the end of the week, Sunday night before 11 pm.

1. Read the entire PDF and listen to the Audio Podcast. Look over this entire website's notes to help you better understand the text.
2. Choose two of the essay questions listed under ESSAY QUESTIONS above. Write 200 words for each chosen essay following MLA format. Place your essays on the website you create for this course and also share both essays on this week's discussion board. [only applicable to online students; in person students post on their website.]
3. Respond and react to at least two other student essays. [only applicable to online students; in person students do not do this part.]
4. Be sure to keep a copy of your response on your personal website that you created for this course.
5. These essays are graded as credit or no credit, depending on the quality of your work. [at Midterm and Finals time]

OVERVIEW GUIDE: THE BASICS OF PHILOSOPHY

This is a remarkable and free resource that provides an overall guide to all things philosophical, including a brief history of Western and Eastern philosophy. Make use of this resource, particularly its timeline to better orient you to the evolution of philosophical thinking. We will be referring to this online site throughout the course.

1. A BEGINNER'S HISTORY OF PHILOSOPHY, PART ONE
2. A BEGINNER'S HISTORY OF PHILOSOPHY, PART TWO

Extra Credit (not required, but encouraged)

THE LIFE OF PYTHAGORAS | Audio Version

REASONABLE LOGIC | Audio Version

Required Films (the vast majority of these mini-videos were created by your professor over the past 20 years).

1. EITHER/OR

2. THE MYTH OF ETERNAL RECURRENCE

3. THE LIMITS OF SCIENCE

4. THE EMERGENCE OF RATIONALITY

5. Plato's Allegory of the Cave

6. Mysterium Tremendum: Part One

7. Mysterium Tremendum: Part Two

8. The Delos Cube

All films are available as closed caption (just click on the CC button when watching)