Socrates Negative Effects Of The Peloponnesian War

There were many negative effects of the Peloponnesian war. Not only was the polis system weak, but a generation that had grown up where fighting was all they knew. There was also a power vacuum where no clear leader was evident. Socrates was a philosopher who had a negative effect on the Athenian government. After the reign of the Thirty Tyrants, Athens restored democracy. The leadership of the new democracy felt that Socrates was a threat because of his impiety, introduction of new gods, and corruption of the youth. Those were the charges against him when he was arrested which were correct based on the evidence presented in the case. Socrates did in fact teach about false gods and purposely corrupted the youth of Athens.

Socrates did not worship the gods in a way that was accepted by the Athenians. They felt that the gods could control what happens to them. Socrates defended himself after he was arrested and one of his own students, Plato, recorded what he said in his Apology of Socrates: “I suppose that until now no greater good has arisen for you in this city than my service to the god”(30a-30b). Socrates was

The reconciliation agreement was a law passed saying that it was illegal to even mention the Thirty Tyrants. The Thirty Tyrants were the leaders of the oligarchy that ruled Athens because of the Spartan victory. The reason laws were passed was to ensure that Athens continued to thrive and improve as a society. Socrates is arrested for corrupting the youth which therefore was a threat to democracy. Socrates tries to defend himself in Plato’s Apology, saying, “For I go around and do nothing but persuade you, both younger and older, not to care for bodies and money before, nor as vehemently as, how your soul will be the best possible”(30a-30b). Socrates is trying to defend himself taking care of people’s