When people hear Socrates's name, they typically think of his famous trial before the Athenians.

The city of Athens prided itself on its direct democracy: Citizens spoke freely and participated in all political decisions.

Because of the double standard practiced by both Socrates and the Athenians in this trail, the conviction and death of Socrates appears most ironic.

Because he thought that the masses were unable to make prudent political decisions, Socrates did not support popular democracy; he instead advocated rule by those who "know".

Three citizens claimed that Socrates's right to free speech had corrupted the youth of Athens and turned them against the democracy.

These allegations preyed upon the fears of the citizens, for the charges awakened memories of past uprising initiated by pupils of Socrates.

Before the trial occurred, Socrates's followers arranged several opportunities for him to escape from Athens, but Socrates intended to make a statement about popular democracy's shortcomings.

Throughout the trails Socrates purposely irritated the jury and even asked for free meals and plush housing as his due "punishment."

Finding Socrates guilty, the jury condemned him to death; however, because of a religious holiday, Socrates spent thirty days in prison awaiting his execution and imparting some of his most fruitful ideas.