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Who of the following fled Athens for Chalcis, 'in order that the Athenians might not commit a second crime against philosophy'?
A
Socrates
B
Plato
C
Aristotle
D
Euclid
Correct Answer:
C
Aristotle
Aristotle fled Athens for Chalcis in 323 BCE, fearing that the city might repeat the same injustice it had committed against Socrates by putting another philosopher to death. This self-imposed exile came shortly after his student and patron Alexander the Great died, which suddenly left Aristotle politically vulnerable in Athens due to his known Macedonian connections. Anti-Macedonian sentiment was running high at the time, and Aristotle was charged with impiety — a charge eerily similar to the one once used against Socrates.
- Reason for Fleeing: Anti-Macedonian feelings surged after Alexander's death, making Aristotle's position in Athens politically dangerous and unsafe
- The Famous Quote: Aristotle reportedly left so that "the Athenians might not commit a second crime against philosophy," directly referencing Socrates' execution
- Destination: He fled to Chalcis, on the island of Euboea, where his family originally had property and roots
- Death: Aristotle passed away in Chalcis just a year later, in 322 BCE, due to a digestive illness
- Historical Significance: This event marks the end of Aristotle's influential teaching career at the Lyceum in Athens
