3 ms·

Even though Socrates was condemned to execution, there was some expectation that he would choose to flee the city instead—that exile was a viable alternative an

Even though Socrates was condemned to execution, there was some expectation that he would choose to flee the city instead—that exile was a viable alternative and he wouldn't be pursued. I wouldn't be surprised if some of the jurors who voted for the execution thought that this would be the more likely outcome—which is perhaps why the prosecution pushed for this over fines. "In the event, friends, followers, and students encouraged Socrates to flee Athens, an action which the citizens expected; yet, on principle, Socrates refused to flout the law and escape his legal responsibility to Athens (see: Crito). Therefore, faithful to his teaching of civic obedience to the law, the 70-year-old Socrates executed his death sentence and drank the hemlock, as condemned at trial. (See: Phaedo)." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trial_of_Socrates https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trial_of_Socrates

chasil 4y ago
The article said that Socrates was nearly blind and (perhaps could feel that he was) approaching senility. He was also associated with the thirty tyrants, and they had been his students. The arguments end with this: "And Socrates was wise enough to give his life for it. He had ample opportunity to escape. But he threw himself into this bonfire of psychic incongruity to give one last gift to his fellow Athenians. This sacrifice is, perhaps, Socrates' greatest contribution to his beloved Athens." I did not know any of that, but I only read the Symposium.
- mr_toad 4y ago
  His own arguments in his defence and his nominated penalty suggest that perhaps he was not mentally fit to stand trial. I think a modern defence lawyer could certainly have made that case. And there are other aspects of his life that suggest possible mental illness, including his belief in eudaemonia and his apparently poor standards of personal care.
  - chasil 4y ago
    The article cites a rumor that he remained silent, instead of offering a defense. Neither action would be a great surprise. "Maximus also references(1), via rumor, that Socrates most likely stood mute and defiant at the trial, facing down his accusers."
ncmncm 4y ago
My interpretation was that he drank the hemlock to rub the Athenians' noses in their own hypocrisy. Once he was condemned, they could neither prevent it nor escape their own role in it.

chasil 4y ago

The article said that Socrates was nearly blind and (perhaps could feel that he was) approaching senility. He was also associated with the thirty tyrants, and they had been his students. The arguments end with this: "And Socrates was wise enough to give his life for it. He had ample opportunity to escape. But he threw himself into this bonfire of psychic incongruity to give one last gift to his fellow Athenians. This sacrifice is, perhaps, Socrates' greatest contribution to his beloved Athens." I did not know any of that, but I only read the Symposium.

mr_toad 4y ago
His own arguments in his defence and his nominated penalty suggest that perhaps he was not mentally fit to stand trial. I think a modern defence lawyer could certainly have made that case. And there are other aspects of his life that suggest possible mental illness, including his belief in eudaemonia and his apparently poor standards of personal care.
- chasil 4y ago
  The article cites a rumor that he remained silent, instead of offering a defense. Neither action would be a great surprise. "Maximus also references(1), via rumor, that Socrates most likely stood mute and defiant at the trial, facing down his accusers."

ncmncm 4y ago

My interpretation was that he drank the hemlock to rub the Athenians' noses in their own hypocrisy. Once he was condemned, they could neither prevent it nor escape their own role in it.