When brought up on charges of corrupting the youth and not believing in the Gods of the city, Socrates in Plato’s Apology claims to be following the command of the Gods. When his friend Chaerephon was told by the Oracle of Delphi that “No one is wiser than Socrates,” Socrates took this to be an omen from the Gods commanding him to engage his fellow Athenians in philosophy. Socrates himself believed he knew nothing and took this sign to mean that he was wise only in terms of knowing that he knew nothing. Further, Socrates interpreted his mission as to act as a gadfly coaxing his fellow citizens to think for themselves. Socrates was thus a common sight in the agora of Athens where he used to strike up conversations with anyone who thought themselves wise on topics such as the Good, Virtue, Justice, Love, and Beauty.

Socrates lived through the golden age of Athens and witnessed its fall from power after the Peloponnesian Wars. Even though he had valiantly served in the army, in 399 B C 70 years old Socrates was found guilty by an Athenian jury and sentenced to death by drinking hemlock. Although he had the chance to flee, remaining true to his philosophy he remained in Athens and faced his execution. In the Crito, a Platonic Dialogue, based on Socrates’ last day, he claims that since he willingly agreed to live in the city and follow its laws, he is obliged to face any accusations and punishments levied against him.