Final answer:
The statement that Socrates begged the judges to spare his life for the sake of his wife and son is false. Socrates remained true to his philosophical principles and did not seek mercy, resulting in his conviction and death sentence. His trial and actions reflect his commitment to the pursuit of wisdom, justice, and virtue.
Step-by-step explanation:
True or False: When Socrates was convicted, he begged the judges to spare his life for the sake of his wife and son. This statement is false. During Socrates' trial, he maintained a stance consistent with his philosophical principles and did not plead for mercy on the basis of his family obligations. Instead, Socrates upheld the idea that justice should prevail over pity or personal circumstances. His conviction and sentencing were a consequence of what many perceived as his disregard for Athenian society's norms, and his stern defense of the philosophical life and his own integrity and virtue.
Despite being found guilty and having the opportunity to propose a more lenient penalty than that which was suggested by his accuser, Socrates sarcastically suggested he be rewarded rather than punished. He offered, with the help of his friends' finances, to pay a fine as a penalty, but this attempt was in vain as he was ultimately sentenced to death by a larger majority than had found him guilty. Socrates chose to accept this fate rather than escape into exile, demonstrating his commitment to his ideals and beliefs to the very end.
Socrates' staunch refusal to succumb to the whims of the court and his commitment to a life of searching for wisdom and truth, as he claimed to be guided by a divine inner voice, contributed to his legacy as a martyr for philosophy. His execution is seen as a powerful testament to the values that Socrates lived by, and his life and death continue to inspire philosophical thought and inquiry.