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Rather than conforming to society, Socrates voiced his rather unpopular opinions to the public, some of which were heretical or deemed obscene by the Athenian government. Socrates had praised the Spartans-Athens' arch-rival-on numerous occasions, both directly and indirectly, and publicly criticized the current political, social, and moral atmospheres at the time. Both of these actions were considered dangerous by the politicians, especially since there was social unrest and instability during Socrates' criticisms.

Instead of leaving him be, the Athenian government put him on trial for heresy and treason. Refusing to flee, Socrates awaited his trial. In the end, he was sentenced to death via poison. Socrates then drank a vial of poison and waited until it reached his bloodstream, numbing his body. The poison finally reached his heart, sending him into cardiac arrest and killing him almost immediately.

In short, Socrates was sentenced to death for heresy, treason, and the corruption of youth.

According to Robin Waterfield in Why Socrates Died: Dispelling the Myths, Socrates played as a voluntary scapegoat for the misfortunes Athens was facing.

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5mo ago

Socrates was sentenced to death by the Athenians for corrupting the youth of Athens and for impiety - not believing in the gods of the city and introducing new deities. His teachings and questioning of authority were seen as a threat to the established order and values of Athenian society at the time.

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Q: Why did the Athenians sentence Socrates to death?
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Related questions

When was Socrates executed by the Athenians?

Socrates was executed by the Athenians in 399 BC. He was sentenced to death by drinking a cup of poison known as hemlock.


Why did the Athenians put Socrates to death?

The Athenians put Socrates to death because he was accused of corrupting the youth of Athens and impiety towards the city's gods. His philosophical teachings challenged the beliefs and values of the society, leading to his trial and subsequent conviction.


Why did Athenians put Socrates to death?

They were angry when Socrates called himself a benefactor.


What are Example's of syllogism from the Greeks?

Athenians are Greeks. Socrates is an Athenian. Therefore, Socrates is Greek


Why did the Athenians put socrates called himself a benefactor?

The Athenians put Socrates on trial and sentenced him to death for corrupting the youth and impiety. Socrates called himself a "benefactor" because he believed he was helping the citizens of Athens by challenging their beliefs and encouraging critical thinking, even though the authorities saw his actions as undermining the established norms and values of the society.


Was socrates executed?

Yes, Socrates was executed by drinking a cup of poisonous hemlock in 399 BC. He was sentenced to death by an Athenian court on charges of corrupting the youth and impiety.


What played a major role in shaping the peace prosperity and culture that defined the Athenians golden age?

Socrates


Who was a Greek philosopher condemned to death for heretical teaching?

Socrates was the Greek philosopher condemned to death in 399 BC for allegedly corrupting the minds of young Athenians and not believing in the city's gods.


Who was greek philosopher plato's mentor?

Socrates was the Greek philosopher Plato's mentor. Plato was greatly influenced by Socrates' method of questioning and philosophical dialogue, which is reflected in his own philosophical works.


Why were the Athenians so threatened by Socrates teachings?

The Athenians were threatened by Socrates' teachings because he encouraged critical thinking, questioned traditional beliefs, and challenged authority. His ideas often challenged the norms of Athenian society and the beliefs of its citizens, leading to fears of social unrest and rebellion.


Why did Socrates question Athenians about their beliefs?

Socrates questioned Athenians about their beliefs to engage them in critical thinking and to challenge their assumptions. He believed that through questioning and dialogue, individuals could gain a better understanding of the truth and develop their intellectual capacities.


Why was socrates punished?

He was against the political climate of Greece and was sentenced to death. Athenians became unstable after the Sparta defeat. As a result the society clung to past glories, wealth, and beauty. Socrates attacked these things and insisted the mind was of greater importance.