Why did Socrates want to accept the death sentence?

Socrates believed that a city-state (polis) is like a ship; to be able to travel safely across the seas of history, it must be characterized by a mindset and a system that put the common good above the individual. read more

Socrates had been sentenced to death by a court of law, constituted of a large number of his fellow citizens as jury. To escape the death penalty would be to attempt to shake down the verdict of the jury and, subsequently, order and the rule of law in the city. read more

In short, Socrates was sentenced to death for heresy, treason, and the corruption of youth. According to Robin Waterfield in Why Socrates Died: Dispelling the Myths , Socrates played as a voluntary scapegoat for the misfortunes Athens was facing. See the related links section for more information. read more

Socrates questioned many things: religion, governments, and ethics, to name a few. He asked questions to further his understanding and that of others. His well-known opinions ultimately lead to his death sentence. read more