The Trial and Death of Socrates

The trial of Socrates, held in 399 BC, centers on the philosopher's conviction for corrupting the youth and rejecting the traditional gods of Athens. Documented by contemporaries Plato and Xenophon, this trial is renowned for its exploration of justice, morality, and the role of the individual in society. Socrates' defense and ultimate execution highlight the tensions between philosophical inquiry and democratic values, making it a pivotal moment in Western thought and legal history.