Who Did Socrates Blame For The Death Of Athens

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After wars, disease, political turmoil and superfluous conflicts, Athens had a weak democracy, little morale, but plenty of blame that needed to be place to ease the nerves of suspicious Athenians. Athens, a polis known for its democracy, technological advancements, and accepting environment was the same city-state who sentenced a great philosopher to death for speaking his mind. Socrates was sentenced to death in a supposedly democratic city state because of the thirty tyrants and the betrayal by Alcibiades were all associates with Socrates, who was used as a scapegoat by the suspicious and conservative citizens of Athens who disliked his annoying habit of questioning others and democracy. Socrates was put to death because he …show more content…

Many Athenian believed that during their time together in the army, Socrates had corrupted the young man leading to Alcibiades betrayal of his city. (Bardo, 37). Because Socrates was known for speaking out against the state people blamed Socrates for the actions of Alcibiades, citing the many times he denounced democracy and other aspects of Athenian government. In addition to being associated with Alcibiades, Socrates was also associated with his former student Critias, the leader of the 30 Tyrants. In 404 to 403 BC of powerful men once again overthrew the government with the intention of cleansing the city of wrong doers, causing a fearful time full of turmoil and lacking justice (Nardo, 41). The citizens believed that Alcibiades and Critias disrupted the government based on their teachings from Socrates and believed the blame was on him. The citizens suspicions were corroborated after Alcibiades revealed that he joined the enemy because of Socrates and what he had learned (Armstrong, 301). Due to Socrates’ association with many who betrayed Athens, Socrates was considered responsible and convicted and