Socrates is one of the most important philosopher's in all of Western or Occidental history. However, like Jesus or Buddha, he did not actually write anything. Instead, what we understand about his ideas, comes mostly through one of his best known students, namely, Plato. The dialogue by Plato titled The Apology, is more or less the trial of Socrates by the democratic office of Athens. As is generally known, Socrates is condemned to death. Although he presents a good defence for himself, the dialogue nevertheless results in the establishment of his guilt. In the dialogue in question, Socrates is charged with two major violations against the City-State or Athens. The charges which were made, were that he was 'teaching what was above and below the earth' (challenging the religion of the state), and that he was 'corrupting the youth'. It will be argued that although he was innocent of challenging the existence of the 'gods', it will also be argued that he can be understood as guilty with respect to corrupting the youth. His guilt will be presented in terms of the challenges which he makes to the ideas surrounding democracy. 3 pgs. 5 f/c. 1b.
