Socrates"the unexamined life is not worth living"Socrates (469-399 b.c.): Socrates was possibly the greatest teacher of all time, but ironically professed to know nothing. Therefore, according to the oracle at Delphi, Socrates was the wisest of all men. Not only did he seek outward to find objective definitions for things such as virtue, justice, truth, he believed we must search inward towards the soul, which for Socrates was the source of all truth. A search such as this can only be conducted over the span of ones lifetime. Throughout his searching Socrates offended many powerful figures in Athens. His enemies conspired against him, indicting him on charges of teaching false doctrines, impiety, and corrupting the youth. As written by Socrates student, Plato, in The Apology he was brought to trial in hopes he would beg for mercy. Instead he took aim at his prosecutors by lecturing them on their ignorance. The jury was outraged and condemned him to death. |
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Last Updated Date: 10/6/01
