t resulted in histrial.Socrates was "the gadfly" stinging the city of Athens. WhenSocrates proposes that the god sent him on his quest, he setout to prove it wrong. In the process, he questioned "thepoliticians and those reported to be wise" (Plato, 21c). Afterfinding that no one reported to be wise, was worthy of beingcalled wise, Socrates investigated further "all the whileperceiving with pain and fear that I was becoming hated"(Plato, 21e). The artisans, poets, and politicians all thoughtthey were knowledgable in "the greatest things" but, in fact,did not know anything at all. "They all say noble things butthey know nothing of which they speak" (Plato, 22c).Socrates, in affirming that he reanked above them inwisdom, because he knew nothing, in fact became theoracles main supporter. It must be noted that Socrates'support of the cities god is based solely on his 'testing' of theoracle. Socrates accepts the oracles words, not on divineauthority but because it passes his test of reason. The hatredof Socrates is extended, as the youth of Athens imitate himand make the elders look foolish by engaging in Socraticdialogue and showing up their ignorance. This led to thecharge that Socrates corrupted the youth. This too wasadded to the impiety charge. Socrates says that the youthfollow him "of their own accord" (Plato, 23c). In any event,one concludes that the Delphic Oracle was a definite turningpoint in Socrates' life. Perhaps it changes Socrates' interestfrom the physical and astronomical studies with moral andpolitical thought. This turning point brings Socrates intoconflict with the city of Athens. His doubt of the opinionstaken on authority also concerned the cities god and thecities laws. That made him dangerous in the eyes of theleaders. Socrates' thought was a painful sting to the glorifiedconvictions of human conduct that meant so much to the city.Socrates made the political and moral questions the focusand theme of his "second saili...
