Western Classical Thought and Culture8. The trial and death of Socrates
Western Classical Thought and Culture 8. The trial and death of Socrates
1. Background of the trial: Athenian democracy> Athens is a city-state or polis. The polis was roughly the size of oneof our currentcounties and contained one major cityor town
1. Background of the trial: Athenian democracy ➢ Athens is a city-state or polis. The polis was roughly the size of one of our current counties and contained one major city or town
> The ancient Greek word demokratia meant literally'peoplepower'.> "lt is true that we (Athenians) are called a democracy, for theadministration is in the hands of the many and not the few",peopletothe
➢ The ancient Greek word demokratia meant literally 'peoplepower'. ➢ "It is true that we (Athenians) are called a democracy, for the administration is in the hands of the many and not the few
> Each year, 500 names were drawn from all the citizensof Athens. Those 500 citizens had to serve for one yearas thelaw makers> All citizens of Athens were required to vote on any newlaw that this body of 500 citizens created. One man, onevote, majority ruled. Women, children, and slaves werenot citizens, and thus could not vote> Every citizen has a responsibility for the state
➢ Each year, 500 names were drawn from all the citizens of Athens. Those 500 citizens had to serve for one year as the law makers. ➢ All citizens of Athens were required to vote on any new law that this body of 500 citizens created. One man, one vote, majority ruled. Women, children, and slaves were not citizens, and thus could not vote. ➢ Every citizen has a responsibility for the state
2. Socrates on TrialSocrates'trial福In399BCSocrateswasaccusedofImpiety(refusingtoacknowledge the gods that are recognized by the state)& Corrupting the young.Jury of 500 found Socrates guiltySentencedtodeath...Couldhaveescapedinto exile.Choosetoacceptdeathsentence
2. Socrates on Trial Socrates’ trial In 399 BC Socrates was accused of Impiety (refusing to acknowledge the gods that are recognized by the state) & Corrupting the young. Jury of 500 found Socrates guilty. Sentenced to death. Could have escaped into exile. Choose to accept death sentence