Leone Morello
Socrates’ goal was for others, and himself, to uncover the truths of society (particularly focusing on politics and ethics). Socrates did not tell his students what to think, he merely urged them to think outside of the proverbial box that was Athens’ systematic societal views. This alarmed many Athenians, and led to his trial and execution. Although today Socrates’ death may seem harsh and unjust, Ancient Greece’s history and society justifies Athens’ decision to put him to death.
Ancient Greece was very serious about their religion and worship of gods, so to dismiss or criticize these gods was deemed a punishable crime. Socrates was indeed guilty of impiety, because he questioned the legitimacy and authority of the gods. Athenians also wanted answers explaining what had offended the gods to make them allow Athens’ recent defeat in the Peloponnesian War, as well as the devastating occurrence of the plague that struck them at that time as well. Athenians made Socrates a scapegoat for these events, because his impiety fit the description. Charging him for this was in many of the public’s interest since they feared further disastrous actions from the seemingly upset gods.
Athens was a democratic city-state up until its defeat by Sparta, and the democracy was replaced with pro-spartan dictatorship called the “rule of 30”. Before, during, and after democracy was restored to Athens, Socrates preached favourably of Sparta’s government system and incited tyranny. This was reasonably seen as treasonous with him being in allegiance to Athens. Socrates was perceived as a threat to democracy, and because Athens was still in a fragile state while trying to recuperate from the horrible dictatorship, it seemed appropriate for him to be tried for his contribution to political and social unrest.
He was accused of corrupting the youth with his teachings, because it caused them to think in ways that opposed or were different from Athenian religion and politics. On many occasions, some of his students protested and rebelled against democracy. A previous student of Socrates, Critias, rigidly interpreted Socrates’ anti-democratic teachings. Critias became a harsh and ruthless dictator who was known as the bloodiest and most powerful of the 30 tyrants. Athenians could not prosecute Socrates as the teacher of Critias, because it would have been a violation of an oath they had made at the end of the “rule of 30”. However, the situation and relationship fueled ill feeling and fear towards Socrates.
Socrates was a great philosopher who shared a wide range of ideas and prompted others to question everything. He believed that philosophy was meant to achieve practical results for the benefit of society, so he had brought it upon himself to teach others his philosophies in order to enlighten people so that they would think for themselves. Socrates died, because the content and outcome of his shared philosophy infringed laws and scared Athenians, and that made it legitimate and just.
Socrates' Justified Death
Socrates’ goal was for others, and himself, to uncover the truths of society (particularly focusing on politics and ethics). Socrates did not tell his students what to think, he merely urged them to think outside of the proverbial box that was Athens’ systematic societal views. This alarmed many Athenians, and led to his trial and execution. Although today Socrates’ death may seem harsh and unjust, Ancient Greece’s history and society justifies Athens’ decision to put him to death.
Ancient Greece was very serious about their religion and worship of gods, so to dismiss or criticize these gods was deemed a punishable crime. Socrates was indeed guilty of impiety, because he questioned the legitimacy and authority of the gods. Athenians also wanted answers explaining what had offended the gods to make them allow Athens’ recent defeat in the Peloponnesian War, as well as the devastating occurrence of the plague that struck them at that time as well. Athenians made Socrates a scapegoat for these events, because his impiety fit the description. Charging him for this was in many of the public’s interest since they feared further disastrous actions from the seemingly upset gods.
Athens was a democratic city-state up until its defeat by Sparta, and the democracy was replaced with pro-spartan dictatorship called the “rule of 30”. Before, during, and after democracy was restored to Athens, Socrates preached favourably of Sparta’s government system and incited tyranny. This was reasonably seen as treasonous with him being in allegiance to Athens. Socrates was perceived as a threat to democracy, and because Athens was still in a fragile state while trying to recuperate from the horrible dictatorship, it seemed appropriate for him to be tried for his contribution to political and social unrest.
He was accused of corrupting the youth with his teachings, because it caused them to think in ways that opposed or were different from Athenian religion and politics. On many occasions, some of his students protested and rebelled against democracy. A previous student of Socrates, Critias, rigidly interpreted Socrates’ anti-democratic teachings. Critias became a harsh and ruthless dictator who was known as the bloodiest and most powerful of the 30 tyrants. Athenians could not prosecute Socrates as the teacher of Critias, because it would have been a violation of an oath they had made at the end of the “rule of 30”. However, the situation and relationship fueled ill feeling and fear towards Socrates.
Socrates was a great philosopher who shared a wide range of ideas and prompted others to question everything. He believed that philosophy was meant to achieve practical results for the benefit of society, so he had brought it upon himself to teach others his philosophies in order to enlighten people so that they would think for themselves. Socrates died, because the content and outcome of his shared philosophy infringed laws and scared Athenians, and that made it legitimate and just.
No comments:
Post a Comment