Socrates Research Paper

1348 Words6 Pages

Socrates, one of history 's wisest men, would face a grotesque and horrifying death due to his actions against the state of Athens. His pupils (Plato and Aristotle most notably) would describe his actions that lead up to his death as bold and memorable. Even after being sentenced to death, Socrates showed the courage to continue voicing his opinions to his students and political onlookers. The trial would go down as one of the most notable events in later Greek history. The execution of Socrates was a result of his negligence to the gods and corrupting the youth of Athens but, not all agree that it was a deserved death. Socrates was an influential philosopher who would impact the party of philosophy forever. In addition, it is also said that …show more content…

According to Greek legend, it is said that the Oracles mystical powers said the Socrates was most definitely the wisest man in Athens. Socrates was the beginning philosopher that would start the long line of famous Greek philosophers (Nelson). While Socrates was a brilliant philosopher, he often tried to knock down other people 's views and opinions and replace them with his own creative ways of doing things (Satris 6-12). Socrates enjoyed questioning to people of Athens about their beliefs and trying to convince them otherwise (Miller 16). Socrates enjoyed the challenge.He taught many of his genius ideas to students who were eager to learn his opinions on topics and soak in his lessons. Some of Socrates most famous pupils include the brilliant Plato and the creative Aristotle. Socrates came …show more content…

Socrates execution was a politically motivated killing that was a result of corrupting the youth and neglecting the gods. During the golden age of Socrates, Athens had recently lost a war to their neighboring city-state, Sparta. Everybody in Athens was suspicious of anyone who displeased the gods (it was a common belief that the gods controlled war and that if someone displeased them, then they would turn the tide of the war in the enemy 's favor). Because of Socrates profession, many people were suspicious of him. Socrates got the attention of some very powerful politicians who didn’t agree with his ways and were angry with him because they thought that Socrates had lost the war for them. “In 399 BC, at the age of 70, Socrates was arrested and charged with neglecting the gods and corrupting the youth of Athens” (Miller 16). While he was standing on the witness stand, popular legend said Socrates remarked “If I wanted your sympathy, I could bring my wife and children with me and beg and plead with you to let me go, but I am not willing to do this because it is not what the gods want. They did want me to come and face my accuser today, then my voice would have told me this was wrong, but it did not, so I came” (Bowen and Lassen). At the beginning of the trial, many jurors were leaning toward Socrates side. It is said that he was given the chance of exile. He chose not to do this. Because of this, many jurors were angered. This is most likely what turned the jury in the