Final answer:
Socrates defended himself against Athenian stereotypes by recounting his philosophical calling, notably through the Chaerophon and Delphic Oracle story that spurred his quest for wisdom. He emphasized his distinctiveness from sophists through his dedication to seeking truth without seeking payment, thereby fulfilling the oracle’s pronouncement.
Step-by-step explanation:
Socrates was well-known for having spent most of his life in pursuit of wisdom, engaging with Athenians and searching for truth. Contrary to the sophists who charged for their services, Socrates sought genuine understanding of concepts like truth, beauty, goodness, and virtue.
He did not claim to possess knowledge but rather used questioning to expose the lack of wisdom in others. This approach often led to the annoyance of prominent citizens and eventually his trial.
During his trial, as recounted in Plato's Apologia, Socrates addresses the negative perception and stereotypes cast upon him by hinting at an autobiographical account of his philosophical calling. He brings up the story with Chaerophon and the Delphic Oracle, recounting how Chaerophon asked the oracle whether anyone was wiser than Socrates, to which the oracle replied that there was no one wiser.
This spurred Socrates to investigate this divine pronouncement by examining those reputed to be wise and trying to find someone wiser than himself, ultimately finding that those with the highest reputations often lacked true wisdom.
Socrates continued his defense by pointing out his lack of traditional sophistry, explaining that he never charged for his conversations or sought to win debates. His intention was only to fulfill the oracle's words by seeking wisdom and challenging those who believed they were wise without true understanding.
This mission won him many enemies, which contributed to the prejudices and antagonisms against him. In Socrates's eyes, this dedication to philosophy was not an act of hubris but a divine mission to pursue wisdom and truth.