Socrates: The Life and The Trial

  This blog is given by the head of the department of English(MKBU) prof.and Dr.Dillip Barad. Here is the link of the professor's blog. 

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 1. सुकरात का दर्शन: मरते हुए एक मुर्गे की बात क्यों कर रहे थे? | Socrates | Tarikh Ep.744 | Lallantop

      This video displays the life, thought and ideas of Socrates.Socrates is one the most renowned and well known figures of all the time and his philosophical legacy continues to be researched studied and debated all over the world.

 

          This video deals with several questions:

, what made Socrates father of western philosophy? 

, what was Socratic method?

,Why was he given poison?

,What were his views about death?

1. His life and philosophy 

         

                Socrate who is also known as socrates is an ancient Greek philosopher. He was born and brought up in Athens in B.C. 470. He passed his whole life in Athens. All the details of Socrates' life is given by his pupil and famous philosopher and critic Plato. Socrates did not found school not did he write anything with his own hands.

        

           In Socrates' time the war took place between Athens and sparta. Socrates performed his duties into war as soldier, fought many wars.

           

            The story of Socrates being the smartest person in Athens begins when the oracle who prophecies him to be the wisest man. Oracle was blessed by apollo who was the God of Prophecy. Socrates never believed them and ask questions around Athens which process came to known as Socratic Method.

2. Socratic Method 

 

             Socratic method is a form of dialogue that involves asking and answering questions to stimulate critical thinking and to create new ideas which are still helpful into philosophy, debates, arguments and so on.

 

I.g. 

       Here the conversation of young of Athens and socrates displays his philosophical thoughts and their deep meaning.

Socrates: "what do people call wisdom?"

Young man:"knowledge and  cleverness"

Socrates:"Is mere cleverness enough for it ? If someone knows how to make weapons but uses them wrongly, is that true wisdom?"

Young man:" No... Probably not"

Socrates: "so wisdom must include moral judgement, not just technical skills."

              

             The dialogue represents the true definition of wisdom.

 

3. Socrates' belief and ideas

      

           Socrates believed that people do know more, than they actually realize but they need to be guided to recognize their own knowledge through questioning.

Socrates has said,

            

        "The unexamined life is not worth living. "

4. Socrates' trials and death

        

         Socrates was blamed because of his questioning method and accused with two charges : 

1. Not recognizing the gods of the states.

2. Corrupting the youth of Athens city.

 

      During the trial, Athens' democratic system was under the reign of Thirty Tyrants which influenced Socrates trial and sentence. Socrates was sentenced to death by poison hemlock which he drank willingly, rejecting the all chances of escaping ways which were created by his students. In his last words Socrates asked the Crito to make a sacrifice to the God Asclepius, the God of medicine, symbolizing his gratitude for being freed from the illness of life. The 

Sentence was 

      

        "Crito, we owe a cock to Asclepius please don't forget to pay it."

         Socrates has openly accepted death with showing the fearlessness of death which shows his calm and composed nature of life.

  

2. A lesson from Socrates that will change the way you think 

      

      

          Into the above video, Socrates reflects upon his life throughout, the values of questioning wisdom that the real and true comes from the knowing one's own ignorance.

1. Highlights

• Socrates introduces himself from prison, moments before his death. Into  short moments he will be given poison hemlock and would sleep forever.
•  Socrates believed real wisdom starts when you know that you don't know anything.
• His Socratic method influenced Plato and Aristotle, contributing western thought.
• He faced trial for corrupting the youth and not recognizing the God of states by encouraging questioning.
• He humourously suggested that a meal should be offered to hall full of champions in his honor as punishment.
• Socrates calls himself the first martyr of western philosophy and his martyrdom is for truth, urging to seek knowledge and wisdom.

Key points

1. Socratic Method 

     

                Socrates emphasizes that many who claim wisdom are jot truly wise, highlighting the importance of skepticism in understanding knowledge that "We are nothing." This is hard for anyone to find the truth.

2. Growth of ideas and knowledge 

       

                Socrates gives example of tree that grows and changes, advocating the ideas and understanding rather than accepting of beliefs. This idea convey the method of constant learning.

3. Truth and wisdom 

                 Socratic questioning method became base for Western philosophy establishment, showing how one's thoughts can shape fields of thoughts and ideas to educate generations. Socrates defines wisdom as the awareness of one's own ignorance.

4. Result of Truth 

                   His trial defines that challenging the state can lead to conflict and prosecution, a reminder of many risks involved within the pursuit of truth.

5. Punishment 

                    Socrates questioning and responses to his sentencing shows his genius wit and philosophical ben of mind which shows how to stay calm into facing the adversity.

6. Martyrdom for Truth 

    

                     Socrates accepts death at the end and thanks the God of medicine Asclepius. He accepts his fate with calmness and peace. He shows that death which given for the sake of truth is never a waste and this sacrifice of him will lead a bright future to next generations to seek and upfold the new truths.

3. The Trial of Socrates (Plato's apology)

     

           The video begins by explaining the political and social atmosphere in Ancient Athens around 399 BCE. The city was recovering from war and political instability, and many Athenians were wary of dissent and nonconformity. In this tense environment, Socrates, a 70-year-old philosopher, was put on trial.

1. Summary

                   This insightful exploration of Plato's Apology delves into the trial of Socrates, who defends himself against the charges of corrupting youth and atheism. The video highlights the Socrates' philosophical journey from the prophecy of Oracle of Delphi of his wisdom, through his relentless pursuit of truth, leading to his defence which is famous into trial and acceptance of death. Socrates' belief in the significance of death compared to living a virtuous life and his commitment to philosophy, leaves legacy of moral integrity and intellectual inquiry.

2. Highlights 

• The Greek word "Apologia" means defense not apology and is reflected in the modern term 'apologist' which means to a defenders of beliefs or ideas.
• Apology by Plato is a renowned piece in philosophy and world of literature depicting the trial of Socrates without being an actual apology yet a defence against charges.
• Socrates was accused of corrupting youth and not believing in the city gods. The charges that seem absurd to modern readers yet were serious in that time.
• Socrates defense highlights his moral fiber and dedication to philosophy, choosing to die over leaving beliefs and truth.
• Socrates found that those reputed corrupted the jury and to be wise often lacked true knowledge, lead to his famous assumption that he knew he knew nothing.
• The video also explores the influencer of the pre Socratic philosophers like Anaxagoras, whose attributed to Socrates during his trial.
• Socrates believed that death is blessing comparison to a dreamless sleep or re-transportation of the soul to another place.

3. Key points 

A) Socrates 

           

                Socrates is the main character in the video, a renowned philosopher whose trial and defence form with the code of the Plato's 'Apology'. He is known for his questioning method and and pursuit of wisdom and truth. His famous saying, 'I know that I am nothing.' The main accusation of corrupting the youth and atheism and his philosophical bent of mind on life and death.

B) Moral duty over popular opinion 

             Socrates emphasizes that he never charged money or claimed to teach anything. Instead he felt he was serving the gods by urging athenians to care for their soul's virtue over material things.

 

He boldly states: 

  

              "I shall obey God rather than you."

               This shows his commitment to moral integrity even over city rules.

C) The Oracle and the Socratic Mission 

      

              Socrates recall that his friend chaerephon went to the Oracle of Delphi, who proclaimed, "No one is wiser than Socrates." Being confused, Socrates sets oyy to take test it by questioning people reputed to be wise politicians, poets, craftsman. He found that they claimed knowledge they did not truly have it. Socrates realized that his wisdom lay in knowing his own ignorance.

D) Facing the Jury 

              Rather than growling or begging for pity, Socrates stays defiant. He refuses to use his children or emotions to manipulate the jury. Instead he says:

      

         "The unexamined life is not worth living."

      

              This phrase becomes one of the most famous in philosophy expressing his belief that questioning and seeking truth are central to a meaningful life.

E) Verdict and punishment 

    

                Socrates is found guilty by a narrow vote of people who are aggressive with for asking questions too much. According to athenian rules, both side suggest a punishment. The prosecution suggests death.

                  Socrates sarcastically suggests that he be rewarded with free meals for life, as a public benefactor to all. Eventually the jury decides to give him the poison hemlock.

F)Final words and Legacy

 

                    In his final speech, Socrates speaks calmly about death. He suggests death may be a peaceful sleep or a chance to meet and question other great minds. He leaves no room for bitterness towards anyone, only a profound sense of peace:

   

           "No evil can happen to a good man, either in life or after death."

 

             Socrates' unwavering pursuit of truth and virtue became a role model for future generations of thinkers and cornerstone of western philosophy.

4. This tool will help improve your Critical thinking- Erick Wilberding

     This video depicts Socrates, on trial for corrupting Athenian youth, was feared for his probing questions rather than his answers shaping critical thinking through dialogue.

1. Summery

  

        The most famous questioning process of Socrates is now known as Socratic method.

 

Socratic Method

            Imagine a conversation where you're not being told what to think- but instead, you're being gently, skillfully guided to think more deeply. That's the Socratic Method, a way of engaging in thoughtful, open ended questioning to examine beliefs, ideas, and arguments.

              This method was pioneered by Socrates, the ancient Greek philosopher, who believed that knowledge was not just about having answers - but about asking right questions. Through this approach, people could confront their assumptions and arrive at deeper truths themselves.

 

               Instead of lecturing, Socrates walked through the marketplace asking everyday people profound questions like:

1. "What is justice?"
2. "What makes something good?"
3. "Can virtue be taught?"

                 He didn't provide answers -he helped others uncover contradiction in their reasoning, letting the truth emerge trough discussion.

2.Key points and highlights 

1. The power of questions over answers 

• Socrates believed that ignorance disguised as certainly is dangerous.
• He used dialogue to reveal how much we think we know- but we don't.
• Every question led to another, until the truth-or a better understanding -came to light.

2. Intellectual midwifery 

• Socrates compared his method to a midwife helping others give birth -not to babies-but to ideas.
• He wasn't there to impose thoughts ,but to draw out knowledge already inside the learner.

3. Why Socrates was feared and executed 

• His relentless questioning shook the foundation of Athenian society.
• People in power found him dangerous -not because he invited violence, but because he made people think differently.
• In the end, he was sentenced to death -for asking too many uncomfortable questions.

3. Socrates method in modern times 

               The method didn't die with Socrates -it thrives in many fields today.

In law schools

• Professor grill students using hypothetical cases.
• They force students to defend their logic under pressure.
• The goal isn't humiliation -but to train precise, flexible thinking.

In medical schools

•  Students offer diagnoses.professor asks, " why do you think that?" "What if the patient had this symptom instead?"
• Through questioning, students learn to refine their clinical reasoning.

In science and philosophy 

•  The method helps scientist and thinkers challenge assumptions and test hypotheses. 

 4.How to Use It Effectively

The Socratic method is not just about asking questions—it’s about asking them with purpose and compassion.

5.Ingredients of Effective Socratic Dialogue:

Curiosity, not arrogance.

Humility, knowing that you might be wrong too.

Expertise, so your questions are grounded.

Affirmation, so learners feel encouraged to keep exploring.

Patience, because meaningful answers take time.

In other words, it’s about making people think without making them feel small.

 6.Final Reflection: What Can We Learn?

In a world drowning in opinions, Socratic questioning is like a compass for clarity.

This video reminds us that:

Great teaching is not about delivering facts—it’s about lighting a spark.

Real wisdom begins by admitting what we don’t know.

The most powerful tool in learning is not a textbook or a lecture—but a well-asked question.

Socrates taught with no books, no slides, and no fame—just words, curiosity, and a deep belief in the human mind’s potential. And 2,400 years later, his method still transforms classrooms, boardrooms, and conversations.

References:

1. Nothing New. “The Trial of Socrates (Plato’s Apology).” YouTube, 19 Jan. 2023https://youtu.be/5-gyTgFjuIg?si=BRAfCOLYSI0-IX71

2. Robot Banana. “A Lesson From Socrates That Will Change The Way You Think.” YouTube, 10 Apr. 2019https://youtu.be/yH86jaBQ0F4?si=h21NQpYpr_NZHi8P

3. TED-Ed. “This tool will help improve your critical thinking - Erick Wilberding.” YouTube, 12 Apr. 2021https://youtu.be/vNDYUlxNIAA?si=OHUS4RxelP717aqd

4. The Lallantop. “सुकरात का दर्शन: मरते हुए एक मुर्गे की बात क्यों कर रहे थे? | Socrates | Tarikh Ep.744.” YouTube, 27 June 2024https://youtu.be/zo04J4l2fpk?si=xqlMKLeskpvLqagf