Socrates (movie 1971)

Socrates calmly accepts his fate, reiterating that his divine voice did not oppose his actions during the trial, indicating that his condemnation aligns with the will of the gods. He reassures his friends about the nature of death, seeing it either as an eternal sleep or a journey for the soul. He urges his friends to continue his work of questioning and seeking virtue among his sons. Criton visits Socrates in prison, having arranged an escape. He pleads with Socrates to flee, fearing public condemnation for not helping his friend. Socrates refuses, arguing that escaping would be an act of injustice, violating the laws of Athens that have nurtured him throughout his life. He philosophizes that responding to injustice with injustice is a sacrilege and that he would rather face death justly than live unjustly. He explains that his inner voice guides him, and he feels compelled to follow this path. He reassures Criton that his sons will be cared for. Socrates spends his final moments with his disciples. He discusses the relationship between pleasure and pain, and the immortality of the soul, reasoning that the soul, being the source of life, cannot receive death. He urges his friends to be strong and not to mourn him. His final words are a request to Criton: 'We owe a cock to Asclepius; do not forget it,' a symbol of gratitude for healing, as death is seen as a release from the illness of life.

The movie opens with the Spartans destroying the walls of Athens. We hear a Spartan commander announcing the demolition of the walls on the sixth day of Mounikion, in the first year of the 64th Olympiad, by order of Lysander of Sparta. A group of Athenians discusses the city's fate, the loss of their democracy, and the imposition of the Thirty Tyrants by Lysander. Some express hope for Alcibiades to free them from tyranny, while others blame him for their ruin. The conversation highlights the fear, suspicion, and infighting within Athens, with many citizens turning against each other through accusations and jealousy. Socrates, accompanied by his faithful disciple Criton, observes these events with a critical eye, emphasizing the importance of knowledge and the dangers of presumption during these turbulent times.

Socrates and Criton witness the suffering inflicted by the Thirty Tyrants on the Athenians. Critias, a former disciple of Socrates and now one of the tyrants, summons Socrates. Critias accuses Socrates of violating the law against teaching persuasive rhetoric. Socrates questions the definition of this offense, emphasizing his pursuit of truth through dialogue. Critias then orders Socrates not to speak to the youth, defining youth as anyone under thirty. Socrates, however, playfully challenges this definition, highlighting its absurdity. Critias and his associates then order Socrates to capture Leon of Salamis, who has been condemned to death. Socrates refuses, declaring his intention to return home, choosing not to obey an unjust command, even if it means risking his life. This act demonstrates Socrates' unwavering commitment to his principles over fear.

Thrasybule leads an attack against the Thirty Tyrants, resulting in the death of Critias and the restoration of democracy in Athens. The citizens celebrate, and a political amnesty is declared for all Athenians, with those who served the tyranny being exiled. The Athenian assembly, with its unique system of daily elected leaders, is presented as a beacon of democratic ideals. Socrates continues his philosophical discussions, challenging conventional wisdom. He questions the method of choosing leaders by lot, comparing it to choosing a sea captain or a doctor. He argues that leadership requires specific knowledge and virtue, not random selection. His friends warn him that his unconventional views could lead to accusations of offending the gods and disregarding traditions. Socrates emphasizes that true wisdom extends beyond Athenian borders and that traditions only hold meaning when their significance is understood.

Socrates is formally accused by Meletus, Anytus, and Lycon of not believing in the Athenian gods, introducing new beliefs, and corrupting the youth. The accusers demand the death penalty. Criton, Socrates' wife Xanthippe, and his friends are distraught, urging him to hire an orator to defend himself. Socrates refuses, resolving to speak the truth in his own way. During the trial, Socrates' friends attempt to persuade him to accept an escape plan, but he refuses. Socrates explains his stance to Euthyphron, who is prosecuting his own father for murder based on religious piety. Socrates challenges Euthyphron's understanding of piety, illustrating that what one god loves, another might hate, making piety a complex and subjective concept. He also reflects on a story from Egypt about the invention of writing, where the king is warned that writing will diminish memory and true understanding, much like how formal speeches might overshadow genuine truth.

Socrates stands accused before the Athenian court. He addresses the jury, stating that he is not a skilled orator but will speak the truth plainly. He refutes the long-standing calumnies against him, particularly those from Aristophanes' comedy, which portrayed him as a physicist and an atheist. Socrates then recounts the Oracle of Delphi's proclamation that no one is wiser than him, which led him to question those reputed for wisdom and discover their ignorance. This pursuit, he explains, made him many enemies. He confronts Meletus, highlighting his accuser's ignorance about youth education and his false claim that Socrates willingly corrupts the youth. Socrates argues that no one would intentionally harm themselves by corrupting those around them. He also deconstructs Meletus' accusation of atheism by showing that if he believes in supernatural activities, he must believe in supernatural beings. The jury finds Socrates guilty by a narrow margin. When asked to propose a penalty, Socrates suggests he should be honored and fed at the Prytaneum, like a benefactor of the city, citing his lifelong dedication to seeking truth. This proposal is rejected, and he is condemned to death by a larger majority. Due to a religious purification period, his execution is delayed until the return of the sacred ship from Delos.