2007-01-26 06:03:06 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Mythology & Folklore
Socrates, an Athenian, questioned claims of Athens superiority. In particular he began questioning the merits of democracy and praising the city/state of Sparta (whom Athens had recently lost to in a war). In addition Socrates had made fools of Athenians by claiming he who was considered the wisest of all was only wise because he recognized that he knew nothing.
Had he agreed to pay a simple fine after his trial he would not have had to commit suicide.
2007-01-26 06:24:00 · answer #1 · answered by nostromobb 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Kalee has the most accurate version of the story - although many of others made some pretty good points. He could have avoided the sentence of suicide imposed by the rule of the state but he would have been a hypocrite and that would have put his students at risk of charges of treason/sedition - his choice was to stand up for the truth, and to attempt to protect his students. I think he felt it was the best response to the circumstances.
2007-01-26 17:04:14 · answer #2 · answered by Michael Darnell 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Socrates is guilty of refusing to recognize the gods recognized by the state, and of introducing new divinities. He is also guilty of corrupting the youth.
2007-01-26 06:09:31 · answer #3 · answered by answerman 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The goverment thought that his teachings were turning his students against them because he questioned their authority. Instead of running the risk of a rebellion, they decided to kill him. Problem solved.
2007-01-26 07:17:26 · answer #4 · answered by C 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Basically he made the Athenians (gov't) look stupid so they made stuff up about him.. but it is not really said what that stuff was. Here is more information...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Socrates
2007-01-26 06:10:28 · answer #5 · answered by Drocks27 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
he was found guilty for corupting the youth of the day through his teachings. so he commited suicide by drinking hemlock.
2007-01-26 11:04:44 · answer #6 · answered by drakelungx 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
He asked questions that the government found unpleasant.
2007-01-26 07:35:32 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
He talked too much, and made the wrong people mad.....
Sooooo, he "committed" bad words... according to those that committed him.
2007-01-26 06:41:40 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
the govt took exception to his teachings.
2007-01-26 06:09:00 · answer #9 · answered by David B 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
battered a pigeon with his improvised slingshot!
2007-01-26 06:35:41 · answer #10 · answered by shanekeavy 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋