an did not oppose him. Socrates' impiety is not the only thing that resulted in histrial. Socrates was "the gadfly" stinging the city of Athens. When Socrates proposes that the god sent him on his quest, he set out to prove it wrong. In the process, he questioned "the politicians and those reported to be wise" (Plato, 21c). After finding that no one reported to be wise, was worthy of being called wise, Socrates investigated further "all the while perceiving with pain and fear that I was becoming hated" (Plato, 21e). The artisans, poets, and politicians all thought they were knowledgable in "the greatest things" but, in fact, did not know anything at all. "They all say noble things but they know nothing of which they speak" (Plato, 22c). Socrates, in affirming that he reanked above them in wisdom, because he knew nothing, in fact became the oracles main supporter. It must be noted that Socrates' support of the cities god is based solely on his 'testing' of the oracle. Socrates accepts the oracles words, not on divine authority but because it passes his test of reason. The hatred of Socrates is extended, as the youth of Athens imitate him and make the elders look foolish by engaging in Socratic dialogue and showing up their ignorance. This led to the charge that Socrates corrupted the youth. This too was added to the impiety charge. Socrates says that the youth follow him "of their own accord" (Plato, 23c). In any event, one concludes that the Delphic Oracle was a definite turning point in Socrates' life. Perhaps it changes Socrates' interest from the physical and astronomical studies with moral and political thought. This turning point brings Socrates into conflict with the city of Athens. His doubt of the opinions taken on authority also concerned the cities god and the cities laws. That made him dangerous in the eyes of the leaders. Socrates' thought was a painful sting to the glorified convictions of human conduct that meant so much t...
