Why Is Socrates Wrong

In 399 BCE Socrates was wrongfully put to death. The charges and verdict were posted in the metroon (Greek temple): "Socrates is guilty of refusing to recognize the gods recognized by the state and introducing other, new divinities. He is also guilty of corrupting the youth. The penalty demanded is death," (Socrates). Regardless of the laws at the time, and the amount of discretion given to the court, the wrong moral decision was made. Socrates’ famous student, Plato, wrote about trial in Apology, and Xenophon wrote in Socrates’ defense in Memorabilia.

Socrates became famous for his teaching and philosophies. The Socratic Method involves following questions to their logical conclusion to reach the truth (The Socratic Method). Socrates encouraged this behavior with anyone he met. Questioning everything was important to Socrates, and gods were no exception. Socrates persistence and conviction in
Those in power were threatened that Socrates’ influence would cause the youth to revolt against traditional Greek life and values. While none of Socrates’ accusers have come outright and stated so, by examining the evidence and charges against Socrates, his wrongful execution is most likely accurate.

Xenophon wrote in defense of Socrates, citing plenty of examples directly disputing the court’s decision.

“In the first place, that he did not respect the gods whom the city respects, what proof did they bring? For he was seen frequently sacrificing at home, and frequently on the public altars of the city; nor was it unknown that he used divination; as it was a common subject of talk that “Socrates used to say that the divinity instructed him;’ and it was from this circumstance, indeed, that they seem chiefly to have derived the charge of introducing new deities.” – Xenophon