What Is The Importance Of The Trial Of Socrates

At the time of Socrates arrest he was 70 years old. He was arrested on the charges of believing in false gods and for corrupting the minds of the youth. These charges have philosophical reflections within them. This trial holds great importance for philosophy. The Trial of Socrates can also been seen as the Trial of philosophy. Socrates was a job less philosopher whose only form of income was what little donations received from others he met. Socrates walked around and spread knowledge and philosophy to others. Many people did not like Socrates because he would play the devil’s advocate whenever he talked with someone on the streets, he questioned everyone and always took the opposite side of others beliefs. This did not benefit Socrates in the courtroom. In section 20 C one of the jurors asked: “But Socrates, what is your occupation?” At this time occupation determined importance within society. However, because he had no true occupation, therefore he had no high importance to the city. This dislike people already had toward him …show more content…
The trail of Socrates was corrupted, and was filled sophistry. Many false accusations were being said. However Socrates says he is telling the whole truth or aletheia. This relates to the Plato’s the Myth of the Cave. The trail can be seen as taking place at the bottom of the cave. Similarly to the prisoners of the cave only seeing the images of the objects, so are the members of the court. They are only being exposed to the lies and not seeing the situation for how it truly is.
Socrates has the chance to be saved if he admitted his beliefs are wrong and accepted their gods then he would not be put to death. However, Socrates is so passionate about his beliefs that he says that if he has compromise his way of life he would rather be put to death. Toward the end of the trial he begins to provoke the members of the court to sentence him to