Question: Do you think Socrates got what he deserved? Why didn't he accept exile?

Question: Do you think Socrates got what he deserved? Why didn't he accept exile?

Socrates got more than what he deserved.  I believe he didn’t legitimately do anything wrong.  The things he was executed for weren’t really a legitimate crime.  Socrates just kept strong in his beliefs and wouldn’t let anyone changed them.  I think the main reason people were mad is that he told others about his beliefs that defied the Athenian culture.  Athens was being destroyed by the Spartan army and really just needed someone to put the blame on so they chose Socrates, a philosopher.  Socrates didn’t deserve execution or exile for preaching his beliefs.  In today’s society there is nothing wrong with telling others about your beliefs and question the law, but back then that was a major issue. Socrates could’ve gotten out of execution and accepted a much less severe form of punishment, exile, but he didn’t.  Accepting exile would’ve shown fear.  Socrates was not afraid of death and begging for exile would just make him look weak and pitiful.  It also would’ve meant he wouldn’t stand strong to his beliefs.  Socrates was also very old and wouldn’t have much life left to live anyways.  If he would’ve begged for exile people would’ve lost respect for him and I believe he wouldn’t be held at such a high position as he is today.  As for the people that didn’t follow him, if he would’ve accepted exile they still would have a problem with his beliefs.  But Socrates stood strong in his beliefs and accepted execution, showing that he had pride in what he believed and no one could change that.