Q: Why did he [Socrates] accept the death penalty and refuse to consider a lesser sentence?
A: As I'm currently a student in the Ancient Philosophy course at NDNU, I know that this statement is skewed. Socrates did argue for a lesser sentence prior to the sentencing portion of his trial. Socrates argued to be fined a small sum for his "crimes" which would be paid by his followers rather than by him. This was not an acceptable punishment to the court, and in fact, the court felt Socrates' apology for his actions was insincere, just as his proposal for punishment was.
Ultimately, however, Socrates does accept his fate at sentencing when he is ordered to be put to death, and commits suicide. Socrates feels he could not be exiled as he would continue to spread his ideas to other communities outside Greece, or arguably worse, he would be unable to share his wisdom, and would die without his ability to debate with others. Socrates chooses to die by his own hand, spending his last day teaching his followers as he had for much of his life.
Extra Credit Comment: Wow, I like the analysis of the last days of socrates. He is my favorite philosopher. From what I remember from the Trial and Death of Socrates, his guilty verdict was to drink hemlock, a poison. So he technically did not commit suicide because he choose to be complacent and drink the Hemlock with a purpose. In court he agreed with what he was accused of because he was a radical thinker. Like you said to him he was guilty of providing a service to Athens, teaching the youth to question everyone and everything. Socrates' life and ideas were dedicated towards getting at the truth. He could have escaped and continue to promote his ideas. But by running from his death sentence, Socrates would be betraying that pursuit and all he stood for. Socrates did not kill himself, Athens did.
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