Socrates And Pericles Views On Athenian Democracy

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In the 4th and 5th century BCE, Athens’ government was developing and becoming just. Citizens, specifically males, had the right to participate in politics and had freedom of speech. They were becoming a democracy. Plato’s Apology of Socrates and Funeral Oration of Pericles shows us the different views both Socrates and Pericles had on Athenian democracy. Socrates and Pericles views of Athenian democracy are on opposite ends of each other. Socrates describes Athenian democracy as being unjust and unwise, however, Pericles describes it as having equal justice.
Socrates believes that the government of Athens is nothing but an accuser. The reason for this belief of Socrates is because the court of Athens has accused him of corrupting the youth, being an atheist and an evil doer. To defend himself, he explains to the court how could one man possibly corrupt all the youth of Athens. He gives an example of a horse trainer. He describes how one trainer could train one horse to be excellent, …show more content…

Pretending to be wise. In Plato’s Apology of Socrates, Socrates says: “When I began to talk with him, I could not help thinking that he was not really wise, although he was thought wise by many, and still wiser by himself; and thereupon I tried to explain to him that he thought himself wise, but was not really wise; and the consequence was that he hated me, and his enmity was shared by several who were present and heard me” (21B1). Not just did the Council believe that they were wise, but also made enemies with the citizens that proved them wrong like Socrates. Socrates also states that he was a member of the Sub-Council but by no means participated in them. So, it appears that the Council did not actually practice politics nor did they have any interest in them. Athenian democracy, in Socrates view was unjust and consisted of the wealthy few and governing over the many and

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