Fellow Athenians, we can all agree that Socrates is a man deep and devoted thought. To properly discuss the trial, the charges brought against Socrates must be declared; they include corrupting the youth and impiety. Although certain charges are exaggerated, if all stand true to the full extent, Socrates should be found guilty and held accountable. Nonetheless, the most recent events that have come to pass should never have occurred. Socrates may teach rather radical ideas, but I do not believe that his true intentions are to corrupt our youth and commit any act of impiety. However, we are not trying Socrates for his intentions; Socrates is on trial for committing said acts.

Each man will interpret Socrates' actions in a different light depending on his predisposed beliefs; I believe that Socrates wishes to better Athens. Socrates’ thoughts and rationales will not better Athens in the same respect the thoughts of the majority of Athenian citizens will create a greater Athens. True betterment of the Athenian society will not be through a ruler so close to perfection we might think he, or if Socrates has his way, she, is Zeus incarnate. Socrates is not trying to corrupt our youth; he is trying to create mortal gods. Perhaps Socrates is too revolutionary. Needless to say, those taught under Socrates’ method of education have exemplified ideals that to our current system can only be classified as corrupt.

In light of my revelation and Socrates’ attempted perfect beings, his mortal gods, the accusation of impiety is clearly accurate. Although Socrates and any of his followers would disagree, Socrates is refining the human mind into the state of god-like infallibility that any Athenian could no longer describe this abomination as human. However, I believe the prosecution is not referring to these acts when they speak of impiety. From my understanding, Socrates is being tried on his restriction of certain stories passed from the gods to writers such as Hesiod. Does Socrates not trust the gods? Yes, his methods are rooted in question upon question. Is there any circumstance where any proper Athenian citizen should question the will of the gods? Simply, the answer is no. Infallibility is one of the gods’ key attributes.

If Socrates is charged guilty, as he should be, I believe that the best course of punishment is far from extreme. Socrates and his teachings can be used as examples as to why our glorious system is superior to any fictitious mode. I believe we should teach Socrates’ thoughts and show the error in his thoughts. Exile is too extreme; yet if we decide that exile truly is the best course, let it not extend throughout the last of his days. Every Athenian, regardless of how led astray, should be allowed to rest within the gaze of our fair and beautiful protector: Athena.