Kritikos, Eleni

"Analysis of Socrates’ Agreement with Athens"

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Major: Accountancy Honors and Finance Minor: Commercial Spanish

Sophomore; Driehaus School of Business

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Abstract

This paper analyzes Socrates’ conflict with the city state Athens when the philosopher purposefully disobeyed the laws of Athens. When faced with the decision to be executed or flee, I argue that Socrates should leave Athens, protecting himself from an unjust punishment; his flight is self-defense. Socrates’ soul had already been tarnished by living in a state where the laws suppress his beliefs, but he would further tarnish his soul if he chose to let Athens return a wrong with a wrong. Socrates defending himself by fleeing defends his beliefs, in turn bettering his soul. Consequences for illegal activities should vary by severity and Socrates’ consequence did not match his crime. This is not representative of the democratic state Athens aspired to be.

Class: Honors 105

Professor: Professor White

Department of Philosophy