2006-12-05 10:16:39 · 2 answers · asked by Loki 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
In short, the Athenians were confident they knew the truth, but they were in fact ignorant. This condition is caused by being in a state of hubris, i.e., excessive pride. Socrates mission was based on his discovery of his own ignorance coupled with being called (by the oracle) the wisest man in Athens. This created a paradox for him, so he began questioning the men of Athens to find someone wiser than himself. His questions served to reveal the Athenians' ignorance -- while at the same time reinforcing Socrates' conviction that he too was ignorant. He wasn't guilty of hubris because he admitted his ignorance and refused to accept easy answers. Meanwhile the Athenians grew even more proud after being shown up by Socrates, so they put him on trial and killed him. That's hubris.
2006-12-05 11:06:28 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
They were self-involved, and do not care for others. Socrates was in the pursuit of the truth and not personal gratification.
2006-12-05 10:23:25 · answer #2 · answered by Socrates 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋