What about Socrates?

Question

Was he persecuted unjustly?

Should he have been allowed freedom of philosophical expression?

Or, was law and order more important to the powers that be (were)?

What law? What order? Whose orders? -- parallel Bush's orders?

Answer 1

the greatest!!

Answer 2

What do you want to know? This is too generalized a question to answer in any meaningful way.

ADDENDUM: Ahh... now I can respond.

"Was he persecuted unjustly?"

Absolutely. Socrates ran afoul of the political leadership of Athens by his willingness to publicly voice his criticisms. In essence, his trial and subsequent execution were a means of silencing him. Ironically, Socrates could have avoided the hemlock had he been willing to go home and be silent. His death became a testimony against his persecutors.

"Should he have been allowed freedom of philosophical expression?"

Yes, Athens was still experimenting with the concept of democracy and permitting Socrates free speech without restraint should have been included in that process. Unfortunately, the government of Athens had recently experienced some military setbacks and was particularly sensitive to criticism at that time (gee... does this sound familiar?).

"Or, was law and order more important to the powers that be (were)?" "What law? What order? Whose orders? -- parallel Bush's orders?"

I'm going to roll these two questions into one. The political powers of Athens in Socrates' day claimed to be concerned with law and order; i.e. their accusation that Socrates was corrupting the youth of Athens. This seems to have been a frame-up. Under the guise of law and order, the political authorities set about destroying first the reputation and then the life of someone who called them to accountability.

Socrates pursuit of doing what is right put him squarely at odds with the concept of might makes right. Socrates would counter that right is right, whether power enters the equation or not.

In my own opinion this strongly foreshadows the current situation in the world today. George W. Bush, like the leaders of Socrates' Athens, believes that he is justified in doing whatever he can to accomplish his goals (obviously a student of Machiavelli, rather than Socrates). In fact, Bush's pursuit of his philosophy that the ends justifies the means has not only led the USA into a disasterous war that has been responsible for untold human suffering, but has led him to marginalize or punish anyone who oppose him. Bush has alienated long-time allies of the USA, treated them condescendingly, ignored them, and in general undone decades of American diplomatic efforts in order to express his displeasure toward nations that have not supported his policies. Likewise, he has insulated himself from the criticism of the American people, and at times has attacked the character of those who have embarrassed him.

It seems that some aspects of history DO repeat themselves.

Answer 3

Socrates

The most interesting and influential thinker in the fifth century was Socrates, whose dedication to careful reasoning transformed the entire enterprise

Answer 4

Socrates..

Ask him directly if you want...

'Oi Socrates come up here this man wants to ask you a question!!'

Socrates: YES I was killed unfairly
me: Now you've heard him and Socrates you can go back to the barbecue

Answer 5

Yeah man, exactely! What about Socrates!

Answer 6

Socrates was a great Christ-like figure who was also tried and executed. He also had a beard.

Answer 7

What's so great about Socrate?

Answer 8

Wasn't he the one who, after he drank the poison, slapped his head and said:

"Gee, I could have had a V8"

Answer 9

What about him?

Greek dude, correct? Nothing good ever comes from a worldly philosopher

Answer 10

What ABOUT Socrates? :S

Answer 11

One of my heroes