HAVING distinguished himself as a soldier, Socrates turned to philosophy. He posed the question, “What explains reality?” Forsaking earlier theories on air, water, earth or fire as the basic principle of reality, Socrates believed that Mind(Spirit) is the basis. And humanity’s utmost concern is unity with the Mind by following the path of wisdom whose path starts with one’s self. What follows is the practice of the virtues especially justice.
As teacher, Socrates employed the heuristic method which he learned from his midwife mother. Like a midwife, with skillfully selected questions he patiently drew out the correct answers. After all, we know the answers. Only, we forgot.
Socrates turned to politics to influence the Athenian senate -- a group of elders [senex, seneces} to which he was elected. There his sense of virtues or values got challenged.
When he refused to approve trumped-up charges against some military men, Socrates fell from favor.
They charged him with treason; more seriously of corrupting the Athenian youth by telling them to be critical about gods. For, Socrates told the Athenian youth, how could these gods be worshipped when they were guilty of gross immorality, engaging in illicit affairs with mortals, both women and men? Some even killed or ate their own children. Thus, he was charged with impiety, atheism and corruption of the youth.
Presumed guilty until he could prove his innocence, Socrates -- true to his convictions—stood by what he said. He could have avoided the death penalty by either a hefty fine or exile. Bravely he accepted the death sentence, drinking the cup of poison hemlock while advising his friends to respect the gods, but never adore them.