Socrates
...nd left Socrates a small fortune and since Socrates had plenty of money, he began to devote his time to creating a system of literature and dialogue on philosophy. Socrates claimed to hear voices during his life that he said were signs from the gods. He spent most of his adult life in the marketplace talking about ethical issues. The basis behind his philosophy was to explore arguments. Once someone made a statement, he would question him continuously and eventually get him or her to contradict their opening statement, exposing their true lack of faith in their statements. This philosophy is parallel with what we know today as “cross examination” in courtrooms. Most people did not like him for showing their ignorance and conceit Socrates did have a loyal following of disciples who believed in his teachings. During the remainder of his days, Socrates dedicated his time to conversing with the young people of Athens. He asked them about how sure they were about reality in common thoughts, ideas and opinions. Socrates refused to ever be paid for teaching and working with his students. Although he got no payment for what he did, his students were fervently faithful to Socrates. The parents of Socrates’ students were not very happy with his teachings and authority. Socrates was arrested, and a jury from Athens found charges against Socrates for corrupting the youth and interfering with religion in the city. Socrates was convicted and sentenced to death in 399 B.C.E. Many believe that his arrest came from his political activities and his influence over two of his students, Alchibiades and Critias. One of his students, Alcibiades, persuaded Athens to send a huge army to Sicily to take over some areas. Over many years, the fleet was destroyed and Sparta came and set up oligarchy, a government of few. Among these few were Critias, a former associate of Socrates and a relative of Plato, Socrates’ student. The reign of the “few” was brutal. Being that Socrates’ students betrayed Athens and were responsible for such political turmoil, he was brought to trial. With grace, he submitted to the jury’s outcome and willingly drank hemlock, a drug or lethal drink prepared from poisonous herbs. Socrates died in the company of his friends and the ones who accepted and assisted in spreading his principles. He was willing face death rather than to give up his pursuit of the truth. Plato, a student of Socrates, is probably the best source of information that we hav...