Socrates
This blog is written as a Sunday Reading task assigned by the head of the department of English Mkbu, professor and dr.dilip barad sir.here is the link to the professor's blogs for background reading Click here
- Socrates
Socrates: The Courageous Seeker of Truth
Socrates, born around 470 BCE in Athens, is considered the father of Western philosophy. Unlike most famous figures of history, Socrates left behind no written records of his thoughts. Instead, his ideas survived through his students, especially Plato. His life was simple, his questions powerful, and his death unforgettable. Let's explore his journey point by point in paragraph style.
1. Early Life and Background
Socrates was born in the Athenian suburb of Alopece. His father, Sophroniscus, was a stonemason, and his mother, Phaenarete, was a midwife. From a humble background, he learned his father’s trade and likely worked as a sculptor in his youth. His early life was simple, yet the foundation for a deeply thoughtful mind was laid in these modest surrounding.
2. Physical Appearance and Lifestyle
Socrates was known for his unattractive appearance—he had a flat nose, bulging eyes, and a stout body. But his physical looks did not matter to him. He often walked barefoot, wore the same old cloak, and lived with few possessions. He believed that virtue and wisdom mattered more than wealth or beauty. His simple life reflected his belief that the soul’s condition was more important than the body’s comfort.
3. Military Service and Bravery
Socrates served in the Athenian army as a hoplite (foot soldier) and participated in several battles including Potidaea, Delium, and Amphipolis. He was known for his bravery, discipline, and calmness under pressure. He never ran from danger and even saved the life of his fellow soldier Alcibiades. His courage in war showed that philosophy for him was not just words—it was action.
4. Marriage and Family Life
Socrates married Xanthippe, a much younger woman who was known for her fiery temper. The couple had three sons. While he fulfilled his duties as a husband and father, Socrates was more attached to the life of the mind than domestic life. His relationship with Xanthippe is often used as a symbol of his patience and tolerance.
5. The Socratic Method of Questioning
Socrates developed a unique method of discussion now called the Socratic Method, which involved asking deep and challenging questions. He would approach people in the marketplace and question them about justice, virtue, knowledge, and truth. His aim was not to insult or defeat them, but to expose their ignorance and guide them toward self-knowledge. He believed that “The unexamined life is not worth living.”
6. Beliefs and Philosophical Views
Socrates believed that knowledge and virtue are deeply connected—that if a person truly knows what is right, they will do it. He argued that no one does wrong willingly; people only do wrong out of ignorance. For him, the soul was more important than the body, and taking care of the soul through wisdom and self-examination was life’s greatest duty. He also believed in a higher divine power but questioned traditional gods, which made people uncomfortable.
7. No Writings of His Own
Socrates never wrote down his teachings. He believed that truth lived in conversation, not on paper. Our knowledge of him comes from his students—especially Plato, who wrote dialogues in which Socrates is the main speaker. Other sources include Xenophon and the playwright Aristophanes, who mocked him in his comedy The Clouds.
8. Influence on Plato and Aristotle
Socrates’ influence was most powerfully seen in Plato, who considered him a moral hero. Plato’s works such as Apology, Crito, and Phaedo are records of Socrates’ life and last days. Plato passed on Socratic ideas to Aristotle, who became a key figure in shaping logic, science, and ethics. This line—Socrates → Plato → Aristotle—created the foundation of Western philosophy.
9. The Trial of Socrates
In 399 BCE, Socrates was put on trial in Athens, accused of corrupting the youth and disrespecting the gods of the city. Many older citizens felt threatened by his constant questioning. In his defense (recorded in Plato’s Apology), Socrates stood firm. He refused to stop questioning and said he was obeying a divine mission. He could have escaped or begged for mercy, but he chose to stand by his principles.
10. The Death of a Philosopher
Socrates was found guilty and sentenced to death by drinking poison hemlock. His final moments are described in Plato’s Phaedo, where he calmly discusses the immortality of the soul with his followers. He accepted death peacefully, saying it was either a dreamless sleep or a chance to meet wise souls in the afterlife. His last words were, “Crito, we owe a rooster to Asclepius.” A sign that he saw death as a kind of healing.
11. Legacy and Modern Relevance
Socrates is remembered not for grand achievements or riches, but for his commitment to truth, critical thinking, and moral courage. His life encourages us to ask questions, doubt easy answers, and seek meaning beyond appearances. His influence continues in classrooms, courts, debates, and all places where thoughtful conversation matters.
12.Plato’s Apology – The Final Voice of Socrates
1. What is Apology? Despite its name, Apology doesn’t mean “saying sorry.” In ancient Greek, apologia means “a defense speech.” Plato’s Apology is his written record of Socrates’ self-defense during his trial in 399 BCE, where Socrates was accused of corrupting the youth and not believing in the state gods.
2. Setting the Scene Socrates stands before a jury of 501 Athenian citizens. He is 70 years old and facing the death penalty. Instead of pleading for his life, he uses this moment to explain his mission, his values, and why he will never stop questioning.
3. Socrates’ Main Arguments Socrates boldly says he is not guilty. He claims that he never intentionally corrupted anyone, and that if he had, someone should have taught him better. He also says he does believe in divine matters—but perhaps not in the gods Athens prefers.
4. The Oracle at Delphi Socrates shares a story: his friend Chaerephon once asked the Oracle at Delphi who was the wisest man in Athens. The oracle replied, “Socrates.” Surprised, Socrates set out to disprove the oracle. He questioned politicians, poets, and craftsmen, only to find that none of them truly knew what they claimed to know. In the end, Socrates realized: “I am wise because I know that I know nothing.”
5. The Mission of Philosophy Socrates saw himself as a gadfly—an annoying insect that keeps the lazy horse of Athens awake. He believed his job was to disturb, to question, and to help people examine their own beliefs. He said, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” For Socrates, critical thinking was not just a skill—it was a moral duty.
6. Socrates on Death He tells the jury he does not fear death. Death, he says, is either a dreamless sleep or a journey to another world where he can continue questioning great thinkers. He argues that fearing death is foolish, because no one knows what death truly is—it may even be a blessing.
7. The Verdict and Response The jury finds him guilty. When asked to suggest a punishment, Socrates jokingly says he should be rewarded with free meals in the Prytaneum (a hall reserved for Olympic champions). Eventually, he is sentenced to die by drinking hemlock poison.
8. Socrates’ Final Words Even at the end, Socrates is calm. His final words, as recorded by Plato, are: “Crito, we owe a rooster to Asclepius. Pay it and do not forget.” Asclepius was the god of healing, and many believe Socrates meant that death was the cure for the sickness of earthly life.
9. Why Apology Matters Today Plato’s Apology is not just a historical document—it is a timeless call for honesty, courage, and critical thought. Socrates teaches us that we must challenge what we are told, seek truth for ourselves, and stand firm even when the world punishes us for it.
10. Conclusion Plato’s Apology is a powerful tribute to Socrates’ life and death. It shows how one man, without money or power, shook an entire society using only questions and reason. His death was not a failure—it was the birth of philosophy as a way of life.
13.critical thinking 🤔
How to Improve Your Critical Thinking Using Socrates
1. Socrates questioned everything—even his own knowledge.
→ Always ask yourself: “How do I know this is true?” Don’t blindly accept what teachers, books, or social media say. Think for yourself.
2. He believed: “I know that I know nothing.”
→ This is called intellectual humility. Admit when you don’t know something. That’s how learning truly begins.
3. He used the Socratic Method—asking deep, step-by-step questions.
→ Try it yourself: Instead of arguing, ask more questions like “What do you mean?”, “Why is that important?”, or “Can you give an example?”
4. In Plato’s Apology, Socrates defends himself with calm logic, not emotion.
→ Practice staying calm in debates. Use reason, not anger, to express your ideas.
5. He valued truth more than popularity or safety.
→ Don’t change your opinion just to please others. Think critically and stand by your ideas if they are well reasoned.
6. He challenged powerful people who thought they were wise.
→ Don’t assume someone is always right just because they have status or authority. Respect them, but still question their ideas.
7. Socrates never wrote his teachings—he believed in living dialogue.
→ Engage in meaningful discussions. Talk with friends, teachers, or classmates about ideas—not just gossip or trends.
8. He believed evil comes from ignorance, not bad intention.
→ Try to understand why people think differently. Don’t judge immediately—ask, “What are they missing?” or “What led them to this view?”
9. In his trial (Apology), he refuses to give up philosophy even to save his life.
→ Be brave in your thinking. Questioning doesn’t always make you popular—but it helps you grow.
10. Socrates believed: “The unexamined life is not worth living.”
→ Reflect daily. Ask yourself: “Did I think critically today?” “Did I blindly follow others or ask questions?”
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