Le procès et l’exécution de Socrate chez trois auteurs de l’époque impériale

Abstract

Although the trial of Socrates happened in the IVth century BC, the impression of the injustice that the great philosopher had suffered remained alive during the early centuries of our era. In this article, we examine how the trial and execution of Socrates through the eyes of three authors of the imperial era, specifically Plutarch, Dion Chrysostome and Lucien. Each author reacts to Socrates’ trial and execution according to his own style and temperament. Plutarch testifies to the hatred of the Athenians against Anytos, Meletos and Lycon and their tragic end, while Dion informs us of the poor reputation that the Athenians retain because of the condemnation of Socrates since then and until the imperial era. Finally, Lucien exploits the rich material provided by the end of the great philosopher in many ways. However, all three agree that it was an unjust death and a shameful condemnation, as well as an event that casts a shadow over the ideal image that we have of Athenian democracy in the classical era.