When was Socrates born and where did he live?
Socrates was born in 470 or 469 BC in the Athenian deme of Alopece. He lived in Athens as an Athenian citizen and spent his life there until his death.
Common questions about Socrates
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What were the charges against Socrates in 399 BC?
Socrates was formally accused in 399 BC of corrupting the minds of the youth of Athens and of asebeia, which means impiety or worshipping false gods. The accusations were brought by the poet Meletus along with Anytus and Lycon.
How did Socrates die and what were his last words?
Socrates died in 399 BC after drinking poison hemlock in prison. His last words were Crito, we owe a rooster to Asclepius. Don't forget to pay the debt.
What is the Socratic method and how does it work?
The Socratic method, also known as elenchus, is a method of refutation where Socrates asks questions to prove an expert's beliefs contradictory. He initiates a dialogue by asking for a definition and continues questioning until the interlocutor reveals their ignorance.
Why did Athenians convict Socrates of impiety and corruption?
Scholars debate whether Athenians convicted Socrates for religious reasons, political reasons, or a combination of both. The religious argument focuses on his impiety charges, while the political argument suggests he was a threat to democracy due to his pupils and views.
Who were the immediate followers of Socrates and what schools did they found?
Immediate followers of Socrates included Euclid of Megara, Aristippus, and Antisthenes. Euclid founded the Megarians school, Aristippus founded the Cyrenaic school based on hedonism, and Antisthenes influenced the Cynics.