Born in Athens, Greece in 469 B.C. Socrates grew up with average boys' life. Socrates received a regular elementary education in literature, music and gymnastics. As Socrates grew older he became familiar with the rhetoric and dialectics of the Sophists. Socrates later served as an infantryman in the Peloponnesian War.

Even being a proven war fighter, Socrates true love was engaging in dialogue and argument with anyone who would listen or submit to interrogation. One of Socrates best known "verbal battles" was with a young man named Eythyphro. During this historic dialogue, Socrates presents the question "what is the definition of piety?" (moral duty). Every answer given by the young man was subjected to Socrates' critical thinking until nothing Euthyphro says remains certain..

Socrates did not engage in the debates to prove his worth or just win an argument. His goal was to serve as

Plato., Last days of Socrates. New York; Penquin USA, 1993

Socrates was eventually sent to trail for numerous offenses ranging from corrupting the youth of the city to his association with opponents of the democratic regime. His association painted Socrates as a controversial political figure. Socrates was feared because of his political power, even though he often steered clear of politics. Socrates proves that evil will seek you even if you do not seek them.

Perry, Marvin, Myra Chase, James R. Jacob, Margaret C. Jacob, and Theodore H. Von Laue., Western Civilization: Ideas, Politics and Society 5th Ed. New Jersey: Houghton Mifflin, 1996

Towards the end of his trail, Socrates was given the option of exile from Athens or a commitment to silence as a penalty. Socrates was quoted as saying, "The unexamined life is not worth living."(Apology38a) Exile or silence is already a death penalty to Socrates. The people of Athens could not possibly expect him to take life at face value. To except life as it already is would be considered a disgrace.

Perry, Marvin, Myra Chase, James R. Jacob, Margaret C. Jacob, and Theodore H. Von Laue., Western Civilization: Ideas, Politics a

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