Mataron a Sócrates por Basado ► El Juicio de Sócrates (Explicado en 10 mins.)

The Trial and Condemnation of Socrates

Introduction to Socrates' Trial

• Around 2,400 years ago, one of the most significant events in philosophy occurred: the trial and condemnation of Socrates by Athenian democracy. The video explores the reasons behind his condemnation and its lasting effects.

Socrates' Calmness Before Judgment

• At approximately 70 years old, Socrates faced a death sentence but remained surprisingly calm. His disciple Xenophon recounts a conversation where Socrates expresses that he has tried to prepare a defense but was hindered by an inner voice.

• Socrates believed it was better to face death now than suffer through old age. He had been preparing for death throughout his life, showing no fear.

Daily Life and Methodology

• Socrates spent his days engaging with self-proclaimed wise individuals in public discussions, leading them to realize their ignorance through questioning. This method earned him many enemies among powerful figures who disliked being publicly embarrassed.

• Three key accusers—politician Anytus, orator Lycon, and poet Meletus—represented those offended by Socratic questioning and brought him to trial as professional detractors.

Accusations Against Socrates

• The trial presented not only these three accusers but also an "army of invisible spiders"—those who had long undermined Socrates’ reputation with lies and half-truths over the years.

• Instead of confronting their own ignorance, people lashed out at Socrates, labeling him a sophist or charlatan. They attributed false statements to him that were actually made by other philosophers like Anaxagoras.

First Accusation: Impiety

• The first accusation against Socrates was denying the city’s gods and introducing new ones. He defended himself by stating he had always participated in religious practices openly.

• This accusation was deemed unfounded; witnesses could attest to his sacrifices at temples. It highlighted the lack of rigor from his accusers who were driven more by personal vendetta than truth.

Second Accusation: Corruption of Youth

• The second charge claimed he corrupted the youth—a vague accusation adaptable to any situation based on the accusers' needs.

• Unlike typical defendants who would plead for mercy, Socrates stood firm in his belief that he had done nothing wrong and refused to act submissively despite risking his life.

Interrogating Meletus

• Determined to expose the absurdity of accusations against him, Socrates interrogated Meletus during the trial about improving youth's character before 500 judges.

• Through clever questioning, he revealed inconsistencies in Meletus’ claims regarding who truly improves or corrupts young people within society.

Socrates and Meletus: A Philosophical Debate

Socratic Questioning Begins

• Socrates engages Meletus, questioning whether all Athenians improve the youth, except for himself. Meletus affirms this claim, leading to a critical examination of his argument.

The Nature of Corruption

• Socrates challenges Meletus by comparing the corruption of horses, suggesting that it is not the majority who corrupt them but rather a few skilled caretakers. This analogy puts Meletus in a difficult position as he struggles to respond.

The Outcome of the Trial

• Despite Socrates' efforts to justify his actions as beneficial for society through promoting critical thinking, he is found guilty by a narrow margin (281 votes against 220). His defense may have come off as arrogant to some judges.

Judicial System Constraints

• The Athenian judicial system requires both parties to propose punishments, complicating Socrates' situation as he must suggest a penalty for himself that is severe enough to avoid worse consequences from the judges.

Socrates' Defiance and Proposal

• Rather than concede guilt or propose a reasonable punishment like a fine, Socrates suggests being rewarded with free meals for life, which angers the judges and leads many who initially supported him to change their votes towards death. He remains calm despite the verdict due to his belief in his innocence and principles.