Why Socrates Died
Dispelling the Myths
By: Robin Waterfield
Published: May 26, 2009
Format: Hardcover, 280 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7710-8851-3
Publisher: McClelland & Stewart
"Socrates' trial was a critical moment in ancient Athenian history, and so provides a very good lens through which to study a complex and perennially fascinating, somewhat alien society", writes classical scholar Robin Waterfield in his intriguing and enlightening book Why Socrates Died: Dispelling the Myths. The author recreates the social, political, and legal life of ancient Athens, Greece in the 5th Century BCE, in a manner that brings the ancient world to life and relevance to the modern reader.
Robin Waterfield recognizes that many myths have evolved over the centuries since Socrates' famous trial, conviction, and death by drinking hemlock in 399 BCE. In order to understand how and why the legendary Athenian philosopher was brought to trial, and how he was convicted, the author takes the reader on a journey into the tumultuous society of ancient Athens. Robin Waterfield describes how the legal system worked, and how trials were conducted and verdicts delivered as a result. Because the legal system was based more on personal opinion, and less on evidence as we understand it, the trial of Socrates depended heavily on Athenian politics and social mood. Socrates' past political connections, and his unpopular acquaintances were as much a part of his trial as the actual charges.
Robin Waterfield (photo left) describes the ebb and flow of democracy and of oligarchy, as they were understood in ancient Athens, as having a major influence on the trial of Socrates. Because Socrates was a known teacher and friend of many notorious opponents of democracy, his days were numbered when a brief but oppressive oligarchy was removed from Athenian politics. Identified, rightly or wrongly with the oligarchs, Socrates became a target for supporters of democracy. At the same time, that author describes how cultural and social mood shifts turned the winds of change against the teachings of Socrates as well. Indeed, as the author makes clear, the trial, conviction, and execution of Socrates was almost inevitable.
For me, the power of the book is its vivid recreation of the political, legal, moral, and social culture and thought of ancient Athens in the 5th Century BCE. Using the trial of Socrates as a backdrop for the greater social and political forces at work in a changing Athenian society, the author paints a well rounded picture of life in that long ago place. The narrative history is well researched, and suited to historical scholars, while maintaining the interest of the modern casual reader. Indeed, the author provides many direct and powerful comparisons between Athenian thought and society, and that of the modern world.
I highly recommend the fascinating and page turning history Why Socrates Died: Dispelling the Myths by Robin Waterfield, to both professional scholars and amateur historians for its powerful reconstruction of Athens in th4 5Th Century BCE. The author's vivid descriptions of the intriguing people and major events that shaped that world, and how the forces of societal change sealed the fate of Socrates, is fascinating reading for anyone.
Read the wonderful history Why Socrates Died: Dispelling the Myths by Robin Waterfield, and move back in time to a place, that while seemingly very different from ours, planted the seeds of what became Western society and the modern world.
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