Why did Socrates choose to accept the death penalty of the state?

Socrates was imprisoned and essentially forced to recant his beliefs. In light of this, Socrates believed that, in order to remain true to his beliefs, he should receive, and would accept, the death penalty. His conviction was so resolute in his beliefs that to deny them would be a worse fate than death.

Why did Socrates embrace death?

Socrates gives a profound discourse regarding the philosopher’s life being spent embracing – even preparing for – death. To Socrates, the intertwining of soul and body carries great meaning and a sense of purpose, which would be the pursuit of truth in all things. Fear of losing pleasure is fear of death.

What did Socrates say about his death sentence?

Socrates now makes his final address to the jury before being led off to prison. He warns those that sentenced him that they will hereafter be blamed for putting a wise man to death. If only they had had a little patience, he suggests, he would have died without their help; after all, he already an old man of seventy.

Did Socrates accept his death sentence?

Unsurprisingly, his jurors did not see the funny side and passed the death sentence. Instead of fleeing, Socrates accepted the verdict, claiming that “he owed it to the city under whose laws he had been raised to honour those laws to the letter”.

What does Socrates mean by practicing death?

According to Socrates, true philosophers spend their entire lives preparing for death and dying, so it would be uniquely odd if they were to be sad when the moment of death finally arrived. Death, Socrates explains, is the separation of the soul from the body.

Why does Socrates prefer exiled death?

Socrates preferred exile to death. Socrates thought that the primary occupation of a good citizen should be the pursuit of wealth and prestige. According to Socrates, we should always consider in doing anything whether we are doing right or wrong. An argument is not synonymous with persuasion.

Why does Socrates think that death is a reward for the philosopher?

Death, Socrates explains, is the separation of the soul from the body. Therefore, death should only be seen as a help to philosophers, giving them even greater separation between soul and body.

What reasons did Socrates give for not fearing death?

In the “Apology” Socrates is on trial for crimes he has not committed. Socrates ultimately does not fear death because of his innocence, he believes that death is not feared because it may be one of the greatest blessings of the soul.

What did Socrates choose death?

Socrates was accused of corrupting the youth of Athens and sentenced to death. Choosing not to flee, he spent his final days in the company of his friends before drinking the executioner’s cup of poisonous hemlock.