1-157-303 - Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage-Images

Trial of Socrates, Ancient Greek philosopher, 399 BC (19th century). Socrates (469-399 BC) is considered to be the intellectual father of modern Western philosophy. His method of enquiry was to enter into a penetrating discussion with his companions, questioning the nature of knowledge itself in pursuit of absolute truths. Socrates himself wrote nothing, but versions of his conversations are recorded in the written works of his pupils Plato and Xenophon. Socrates' pursuit of true knowledge brought him into conflict with the piety laws of his native Athens, where he was put on trial for 'corrupting youth' and 'impiety'. He was sentenced to death by drinking hemlock.