Understanding why Athenians were executed

A detailed Summary of Understanding why Athenians were executed


To understand why the Athenians executed Socrates in 399, one must first take a deeper look into his life. Socrates was born in 469 in Athens, son of the sculptor Sophroniscus and the midwife Phainarete. He belonged to the small Athenian bourgeoisie. He began to work in his father's workshop. After 421, he married Xanthippe and had three sons.

Socrates lived in the period of the war of Peloponnese. He was a brave fighter at Poleidaia, Delion, and at Amphipolis in 422. He showed force, courage and generosity.

Throughout his political life, Socrates did not have governmental charges and he never tried to have any. In 405-406, he was a member of the Council of the Five hundred. At the time, Athens was under a democratic government. Socrates was chosen a judge. He was the only one to side against the democratic government that wanted to make summary justice accusing the admirals collectively, like it was established on the contrary by the law. In 408 Athens was under the oligarchical government of the Thirty. Socrates was charged, with four other citizens, to arrest the democratic Lion of Salamis. He


Socrates refused an easy escape and drank the hemlock voluntarily. To the Athenians, at the point of death, he said, "It is time to go: I die and you to live. Who of us had better destiny is dark to all except to gods." It was 399 B.C. and Socrates had lived 70 years. Socrates fame spread all over Greece. The most respected and educated men from all around came to him to enjoy his friendly company and instruction. The wish to hear him was so great; his friends risked their lives just to be with him daily.

thought this was not just and refused to execute it.

Socrates believed that, although he was wrongfully accused, he would be given a fair trial through the eyes of the law. The fact that he was given a fair trial means that he was given a fair punishment. If this punishment is not carried out, justice will not be served. Escaping punishment would cause a conflict between his teachings and his actions.

Socrates tried to transform ethics and politics in subjects of scientific research that could reveal universal laws and truth, in opposition to skepticism and relativism.

In Socrates philosophical acti

Some common words found in the essay are:
Lion Salamis, Democratic Party, BC Socrates, , Thirty Thrasybulos, Council Five, Delion Amphipolis, Thirty Socrates, life socrates, five hundred, government thirty, war peloponnese, democratic government, accusation referred, fair trial, education youth, socrates lived,

Approximate Word count = 757
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: History

join now Save Paper

Related Essays

  • Democracy in Athens ... political rights is important in understanding the classical ... was a democracy because the Athenians did not ... family connections, or wealth, were political equals ... 1515 words
  • Mythology ... a larger amount and better understanding of pleasurable ... and legal laws, Antigone was executed and Creon ... for their lives as though the Athenians were just as ... 2317 words


Saved Paper

Save your papers so you can locate them quickly!

Newest Essays

Testimonials

  • "Thank You So Much!!! You have saved me once again!!!"
    Jack M.
  • "With so many papers to chose from, I was able to get ideas to help me with all of my classes. Thank You!"
    Brian P.
  • "I've used this site for the last 3 years to help me come up with ideas for my papers."
    Sara J.
  • "I use this site every week to help me write my own papers!"
    Rachel W.
  • "I love this site!!!"
    Marie N.
Home Join Now Support
Acceptable Use Policy About us FAQ
All papers are for research and reference purposes only!
© 2002-2009 DirectEssays.com. All Rights Reserved.