What Did the Ancient Greeks Think of Socrates?
One of the most fascinating individuals of ancient Greece, Socrates, was both revered and vilified by his fellow Athenians. The citizens of Athens had mixed views on Socrates, with about half seeing him as a valuable philosopher, and the other half as a dangerous figure. This division of opinion was particularly evident during his trial, where the jury's votes reflected the public sentiment.
Mixed Sentiment and Public Figures
The citizens of Athens were divided by approximately 50-50 in their views of Socrates. This sentiment was mirrored in the jury votes during his trial, known as the Apologetic trial. Some considered him a benign and influential philosopher, while others saw him as a corrupting influence on the youth and a destabilizer of traditional values. This divide underscored the complex nature of Socrates' character and the evolving societal norms during the fifth century BCE.
The Nature of Athenian Views and Socrates’ Influence
Alcibiades played a significant role in shaping Athenian views. According to some accounts, he once made love to Socrates on a battlefield, only to blame Socrates for the tragic attitudes of Athenians towards him. This act led to Alcibiades fleeing to Sparta, where he contributed to victories in the Peloponnesian War. Some historians argue that his actions, stemming from a personal and professional rivalry with Socrates, caused Sparta to gain an advantage, leading to a chain of events that influenced the course of Greek and Western history.
Another key figure who saw Socrates differently was the playwright and poet Alcaeus, who was critical of him and possibly contributed to public perceptions of Socrates as an embittered ex-lover. Alcaeus' works may have reinforced the idea that Socrates' personal relationships were complicated and perhaps even corrupting.
The Legal Battle and the Outcome
The majority of Athenian voters ultimately saw Socrates as a malevolent figure, partly due to the argument that he was corrupting the youth and undermining their religious beliefs. Consequently, the Athenian assembly ordered his execution, which Socrates complied with as a means of demonstrating the power of philosophic conviction over physical punishment.
Despite the condemnation, a significant segment of Athenian society, including his student Plato, recognized Socrates as a great philosopher. Plato's works, particularly the Apology, offer insights into Socrates' trial and his philosophical stance. Plato's Apology reflects a deep divide in Athenian society, with some recognizing the value of Socrates' teachings and others viewing him as a threat to the social and moral fabric of Athens.
Conclusion and Legacy
Whether viewed as a noble martyr or a dangerous heretic, Socrates' legacy endures and continues to influence modern thought. His trial and execution sparked a lasting debate on intellectual freedom, moral relativism, and the role of philosophy in society. Despite the contentious views of his contemporaries, Socrates remains an enduring symbol of the pursuit of truth and wisdom.