Socrates The Philosopher of Athens
The Oracle proclaimed that no man in Athens was wiser than Socrates
In the bustling city of Athens, during the 5th century BCE, there lived a man whose wisdom and philosophical inquiries would shape the course of Western thought for millennia to come. This man was Socrates.
Though he left no writings of his own, his ideas and teachings were recorded by his devoted disciple, Plato and his contemporary, Xenophon. Through their accounts and the works of later philosophers, the legacy of Socrates endures as a beacon of wisdom, virtue and critical thinking.
Early Life and Background
Born in 469 BCE, his father Sophroniscus, was a stonemason and his mother Phaenarete, was a midwife. His humble origins contrasted with the noble ideas that he would later espouse. Little is known about his early life, but he likely received a basic education in arithmetic, grammar and music, which was typical for Athenian boys.
During his youth, Athens experienced a period of cultural and intellectual flourishing, known as the “Golden Age” of Athens. It was a time of great achievements in philosophy, arts, politics and architecture. The city was also engaged in frequent conflicts, including the Persian Wars and the Peloponnesian War, which shaped the political climate and social life of the Athenians.
The Oracle’s Pronouncement
According to Plato’s dialogues, a pivotal event in Socrates’ life occurred when he received a cryptic message from the Oracle of Delphi. The Oracle proclaimed that no man in Athens was wiser than Socrates.
Baffled by this assertion, he embarked on a quest to understand the meaning behind the Oracle’s words. He knew that he possessed no great knowledge, which made the Oracle’s pronouncement all the more perplexing.
The Socratic Method
Seeking to fulfil the Oracle’s prophecy, he began engaging in philosophical discussions with his fellow citizens. Rather than offering answers, he asked probing questions to expose the underlying assumptions and contradictions in their beliefs. This method of inquiry, now famously known as the “Socratic Method,” aimed to stimulate critical thinking and encourage the search for truth.
Socrates’ dialogues were characterized by his humility, intellectual honesty and relentless pursuit of knowledge. He demonstrated that even those considered wise could be ignorant of their own ignorance. By revealing the limits of human understanding, he encouraged his interlocutors to seek deeper truths and rethink their deeply held convictions.
Socrates’ Circle of Influence
Socrates had an informal circle of followers and admirers, including notable figures like Plato, Xenophon and Antisthenes. Among these, Plato was arguably the most significant, as he would go on to become one of the most influential philosophers in history.
Plato’s writings, particularly his dialogues featuring Socrates as the main character, offer insights into Socrates’ teachings and philosophical outlook. While Plato’s portrayals of Socrates were likely influenced by his own ideas, they also conveyed the essence of Socrates’ character and his dedication to philosophical inquiry.
Socrates’ Quest for Virtue
One of his’ primary concerns was the pursuit of virtue and the question of what it meant to live a virtuous life. He believed that true happiness and the good life were attainable through the cultivation of virtue and wisdom.
Socrates challenged the prevailing view that virtue could be obtained through wealth, power or social status and instead emphasized the importance of self-examination and the development of one’s moral character.
The Socratic Irony and his Trial
The philosopher’s unorthodox approach to questioning authority and exposing ignorance did not win him universal admiration. Instead, he made enemies among the influential and powerful, who saw him as a threat to the social order. His interactions with the youth of Athens in particular, garnered suspicion from the city’s elders.
Socrates’ unique teaching style often involved feigning ignorance, a technique known as “Socratic irony.” By pretending not to know the answers, he encouraged his interlocutors to articulate and defend their views, thereby revealing the contradictions and weaknesses in their arguments.
In 399 BCE, he faced serious charges that ultimately led to his trial. He was accused of impiety, for allegedly not recognizing the gods of the city and of corrupting the youth by challenging traditional beliefs and values. During his trial, Socrates remained steadfast and unapologetic, refusing to compromise his commitment to truth and virtue.
Socrates’ Defence and Condemnation
Plato’s “Apology” provides an account of Socrates’ defence during his trial. In his eloquent speech, he rejected any notion of wrong doing and asserted that his philosophical inquiries were an essential service to the city. He claimed that his mission was a form of divine calling, a voice or “daemon” that guided him in the pursuit of truth and wisdom.
Despite his impassioned defence, Socrates was found guilty by a narrow margin and sentenced to death. At this point, some of his supporters devised plans for his escape, but he refused to break the law, even in the face of his unjust condemnation. He believed that obedience to the laws of the city was an integral part of a virtuous life.
Socrates’ Death and Legacy
In his final days, Socrates remained serene and composed, engaging in philosophical conversations with his friends. One of the most poignant accounts of his last moments is recorded in Plato’s dialogue “Phaedo”. According to this dialogue, Socrates calmly discussed the immortality of the soul and the concept of an afterlife before drinking the poisonous hemlock as prescribed by Athenian law.
Socrates’ death became a symbol of martyrdom for philosophy and the pursuit of truth. It solidified his status as a wise and virtuous philosopher who remained true to his principles until the end. His legacy continued through the works of Plato and other philosophers who were influenced by his teachings.
Milestones of Socrates:
- Developed the Socratic Method, a rigorous form of questioning and critical inquiry aimed at eliciting deeper insights and understanding.
- Sought to understand the meaning of the Oracle of Delphi’s pronouncement that no man in Athens was wiser than him, leading to a lifelong quest for knowledge and self-awareness.
- Inspired a generation of young Athenians, including the prominent philosopher Plato, who went on to become great thinkers and intellectuals in their own right.
- Emphasized the importance of virtue and the pursuit of a good life based on moral character rather than material wealth or social status.
- Challenged conventional beliefs and values, often using Socratic irony to reveal the limitations and contradictions in people’s understanding.
- Faced trial and condemnation in 399 BCE, remaining resolute in his defence of philosophical inquiry and virtue, even in the face of death.
- His death solidified his status as one of the most influential philosophers in history, shaping the course of Western thought for centuries to come.
- Served as a model for ethical and intellectual conduct, encouraging others to embrace self-examination and critical thinking in their pursuit of truth and knowledge.
- Continues to be remembered and revered as a paragon of philosophical wisdom, leaving a lasting legacy in the realms of ethics, epistemology and human existence.
- Pioneered a new approach to education and learning that prioritized questioning, discussion and self-discovery, challenging the prevailing memorization based methods of his time.
- Served as a source of inspiration for subsequent philosophical movements, including the Stoics and the Cynics, who admired his commitment to living in accordance with his beliefs.
