2 Comments for How were the philosophers regarted and treated in greece?

• 1. xo379  |  November 28th, 2008 at 3:55 am

  It depends on the philosopher.
  Socrates: “since Socrates discussed ideas that upset many people (some in high positions), he was given a choice to be banished from Athens, or to be sentenced to death by drinking a poison, hemlock (Conium maculatum). He was given a cup of hemlock by a guard. He chose to drink the poison, perhaps because he could not stand the thought of being banished from his home. The ironic thing about this is that during the reign of the Thirty Tyrants he was often threatened, but survived despite his continued protests for democracy. When democracy came, he was executed for corrupting their young children.”

  Aristotle: “Aristotle was a great thinker and philosopher, and was called ‘the Master’ by Avicenna in the following centuries and ‘the Philosopher’ by others, since his philosophy was crucial in governing intellectual thought in the Western world. His views and approaches dominated early Western science for almost 2000 years. As well as philosophy, Aristotle was a formidable inventor, and is credited with many significant inventions and observations.”

• 2. Manos K  |  December 1st, 2008 at 10:28 am

  In ancient Athens there were several disputes between the philosophers and the other Athenians. Socrates often accused the Sophists (several philosophers who were paid to teach wealthy children) of their practices. He, personally, never got money for his teachings. Aristophanes, the most famous comedy poet, made fun of Socrates and his theories (see his comedy “Nephelai”, meaning the Clouds). He had many political enemies (because of his speeches), who finally achieved his execution, with the accuse of Socrates’ corrupting the young men.
  Socrates’ student, Plato was actually not fond of the democracy, ’cause he was of noble origins. However, he had not Socrates’ fate. He travelled a lot and founded Academy in Athens.
  Plato’s student, Aristotle was very appreciated by the king of Macedonia, Philip the second, who invited him in his court to educate the noble children. Among them, there was the heir to the throne, Alexander the Great. Alexander would state later that he owes his living to his father and his good living to his teacher, Aristotle.
  When Alexander the Great went to Corinth, he met the cynic philosopher Diogenes. Diogenes lived there like a dog (cynic means “doggish”) in a big pot (something like a barrel made of clay) with no other possessions. So, while Diogenes was relaxing in the sunlight , Alexander, thrilled to meet the famous philosopher, asked if there was any favour he might do for him. Diogenes replied, “Stand out of my sunlight.” Alexander still declared, “If I were not Alexander, then I should wish to be Diogenes.”, showing his admiration towards the philosopher. However many Corinthians were irritated by Diogenes’ attitude who acted as if he were uncivilized (p.ex. urinated in public).

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