How did Socrates die?

On a day in 399 BC the philosopher Socrates stood before a jury of 500 of his fellow Athenians accused of "refusing to recognize the gods recognized by the state" and of "corrupting the ... Although he was not present at his mentor's death, he did know those who were there. ... I have heard that one should die in silence. read more

As Socrates did not write down any of his teachings, information about him and his philosophies depends upon secondary sources. Furthermore, close comparison between the contents of these sources reveals contradictions, thus creating concerns about the possibility of knowing in-depth the real Socrates. read more

Socrates was born circa 470 BC, in Athens, Greece. We know of his life through the writings of his students, including Plato and Xenophon. His "Socratic method," laid the groundwork for Western systems of logic and philosophy. When the political climate of Greece turned, Socrates was sentenced to death by hemlock poisoning in 399 BC. read more

Socrates was accused of piety and corrupting youth and was brought to trial. It was said he did not recognize the gods of the city (Athens) and introduced new ones. read more