Athenians Against Socrates

Curiosity killed the cat is a common cliché alluding to a negative connotation for questioning. However, everyone dies so is questioning really an awful thing? To the Athenians against Socrates, yes, but Socrates opinion is the exact opposite. Things must be questioned , but the intention for questioning is equally as important. This is where people may have been confused with Socrates which lead to his indictment. Indeed, Socrates claim is true and with the right intentions, it has the potential for an individual to gain wisdom and knowledge.
Socrates has gained many slanders and criticisms from the Athenians because he questions authorities and respected business men of Athen to reveal them as ignorant in their expertise. His interrogations destroy the beliefs of those who are being questioned, leaving them frustrated and lost without offering an alternative explanation. Not only does he cause them to question their beliefs, he embarasses them by publicly challenging what the wisdom they think they obtain. His inquisition of others’ creeds and conducts cause the person to feel as if they are being attacked, but that is not the case.
Socrates isn’t interested in attacking the person, but, is interested in exploiting …show more content…
This is threatening to the Athenian government because of the morals and beliefs the foundation of their society is built on. Their ethical codes and justice are based on principles from the Gods. Thus if questioning leads to a disbelief in the Gods, that corrupts. IT has the potential to alter Athenian society as a whole. The intent of the youth doesn’t necessarily have the same intention as Socrates. Instead they may do it to challenge authority or for entertainment instead of the pursuit of truth. Therefore, Socrates corrupts. Athens had the right to feel threatened, but it was out of fear. Socrates did not have malintention towards a person when questioning