eings, so therefore he must believe in the Gods. Towards the end of Socrates’ defense he states, “ They enjoy hearing these being questioned who think they are wise, but are not.” Socrates is telling the jury that he has been honest with them and that he does not corrupt the youth, the youth and others follow him around for the reason in quotations. This was Socrates’ defense.If I were a juror in this trial I would plan to vote note guilty. The basis of my decision would be simple. In Socrates’ defense speech he is clear in his arguments, and I was thoroughly convinced when he cross examined Meletus and cornered him on many areas of his charges against Socrates. An example of this is when Socrates says, “All Athenians, it seems, make the young into fine and good men, except me, and I alone corrupt them. Is that what you mean? – That is most definitely what I mean.” Socrates then goes and counter attacks by asking Meletus if this also applies to other animals. Socrates asks if all men improve horses and only one person corrupts them. Socrates ends this small argument by saying “You have made it sufficiently obvious, Meletus, that you have never had any concern for our youth; you show your indifference clearly; that you have given no thought to the subjects about which you bring me to trial.” This quote from the text obviously shows that Meletus does not really understand what he was talking about. Meletus did not show to the jury that he knew what he is talking about, and that he could back up the charges he brought against Socrates. When Socrates said “He is like one who composed a riddle and is trying it out : ‘ Will the wise Socrates realize that I am jesting and contradicting myself, or shall I deceive him and others?” Socrates shows what why I would vote not guilty. Socrates hit the nail on the head with this statement. If I were to vote I...
