Socrates: The Gadfly of Athens and His Trial

Ancient Greece: Philosophy, Democracy, and Endless War — Fexingo History · Jul 14, 2026 · 8m · transcript

In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the life and trial of Socrates, the philosopher who never wrote a word but whose questioning method shook Athens. They discuss his role as a stonemason and soldier, his distinctive Socratic method of elenchus (cross-examination), his divine sign (daimonion), the charges of impiety (asebeia) and corrupting the youth, the trial before 501 dikasts (citizen jurors), the speeches in his defense (Apologia), the proposal of a fine of 30 minae, and his refusal to escape prison as recounted by Crito. They also examine the political context: Socrates&#x27…