rs. If he was corrupting the youths, he certainly did not mean to do it. Evidence is a key factor in this accusation as well. Two people who had been under the tutelage of Socrates went on to be traitors. It can not be assumed that these two people became traitors because of Socrates' teachings. There are so many factors that could contribute to this, so it is a fallacy to assume that Socrates is the sole cause (Reeve 118). If the accusers wanted to truly convict Socrates of corrupting the youth, and people in general, then they would have to show much more evidence of this. Since these teachings have positive results, the teachings of Socrates should be encouraged. Socrates had a large following of children, and the people of the city may have been jealous. "If I corrupt some young men, and have corrupted others, then surely some of them who have grown older and realized that I gave them bad advice when they were young should now themselves come up here to accuse me and avenge themselves." (Plato, 33:d) The final component of Socrates argument against corrupting the youth is brought forth later and deals with the witnesses which Meletus neglected to utilize. The argument is as follows: if Socrates actually corrupted anyone, some would want to retaliate and testify for wrongs done to them. After making this point, Socrates offers some of his limited time to Meletus for the purpose of calling these witnesses forward. Socrates names several people in the assembly who had spent time with him and who are favoring him in the trial. There is no one for Meletus to call who would testify against Socrates (Brickhouse 202). The argument is concluded by, "Now those who were corrupted might well have reason to help me, but the uncorrupted, their kindred who are older men, have no reason to help me except the right and proper one, that they know that Meletus is lying and that I am telling the truth." (Plato 34:b) Thus there is no proof...
