Socrates: Life and Trial

 Socrates: Life and Trial

Hello

This blog is part of sunday reading task based on "Socrates: Life and Trial" In this blog I will reflect my understanding of Socrates and his idea. Before delving into the blog for background understanding visit the blog.

Tracher's Blog 

Socrates, a super chatty (weird in that time) philosopher in ancient Greece, got in trouble in 399 BC. He was famous (or some might say infamous) for his relentless questioning – no topic was safe! This (pesky) habit earned him a reputation as a bit of an eccentric, but there's more to Socrates than meets the eye.

Fun fact: Socrates was also a distinguished soldier! He wasn't all philosophical wondering, you know. Despite his family's comfortable means, Socrates wasn't your typical rich kid. He was driven by curiosity and a desire to understand the world around him.He questioned established ideas about wisdom, virtue, and the good life. He wasn't a big fan of democracy, and some believe his frequent critiques landed him in hot water.

"My friend, the only thing I know for sure is that I know nothing. But isn't that fascinating?" (Socrates, probably trying to avoid an awkward silence after forgetting someone's name.)

Later in life, he faced accusations of worshipping strange gods (not the cool Athenian ones, apparently.  Like the methods used for worship by Adivasi in India, Socrates' methods could also be considered savage by some.) and corrupting the youth with his unconventional thoughts. There are whispers that the real reasons for his trial were more political than they seemed.

The Socratic Method Now widely popular, his style of teaching — the Socratic method — involves dialogues between the teacher and the disciples. ( Sir's idea if you don't have question then there is only two possibility- One understand everthing or nothing. )  The teacher starts the discussion with thought-provoking questions that elicit responses and questions from the disciples. This discussion continues until the disciples reach a clear understanding of the concept. ( It's most threatening in our class because if students don't have a question, then Sir, like Socrates, asks us questions. So, it's better to have a question, you know. )

Back then, Athens was having a rough time – sickness, fighting, and losing wars. People thought the gods were mad at them. (As always like Indian story of Indra not giving a rain)

Socrates, with his oddball ideas and mysterious inner voice, seemed like an easy target to blame. They accused him of being disrespectful to the gods and messing up the young folks. ( Socrates method of question answer you know ) ( Freedom of Speech= RIP)

Some people think this trial was a big mistake, like a democracy gone crazy.The Athenians truly believed they needed to appease the gods, and Socrates, with his strange ways, was the perfect person to blame. ( If Socrates were alive today and asking questions in India, maybe the ED would raid him! LOL. ) 

Here's the funny part: Socrates could have suggested a lesser punishment, but he joked around and offered a tiny fine. He said that he want a meal from govermnet's money. The jury wasn't laughing. They sentenced him to death! Even though he could have escaped, Socrates followed the rules (even the bad ones) and drank poison.

Here is some ideas of Socrates in the form of photo. 

Ultimately, at the ripe old age of 70, Socrates met his end by drinking hemlock, a deadly poison. Tragically, he never wrote down his ideas, so all we know about him comes from his contemporaries and students, like Plato.

So, the next time you hear about Socrates' trial, remember: it wasn't just about punishing a smart guy. It was a story of bad luck, angry gods, and a philosopher with a bad sense of humor who got a bad deal.

Yes thank you for being till  the end.