Zeus Debate on the Killing

John Janeson

Greetings, fellow jurors. We are gathered here today on behalf of a conviction trial against our fellow citizen, Socrates. I warn you people that we are dealing with a dangerous man in our area. Do not take his captivity lightly. He is being held in trial for all the horrible things that I believe that he has done to our community. I beg you other jurors to listen to my plea and find that Socrates is guilty for all charges! On the charge of not believing in Gods, he is guilty! The other charge of negatively influencing his students, I find him undoubtedly guilty! Even the accusation of corrupting Athenian society I find him guilty.

First and foremost, on the accusation of Socrates and the Gods, I cannot believe that he is making a mockery out of them. The Gods have been with us ever since the beginning of time and for him to question the existence of Zeus is truly and honestly insulting. I recall a conversation between Socrates and Strepsaides in which it was blatant and clear that Socrates questioned, “What sort of God is Zeus?” and eventually answered his own question saying, “theres no such thing as Zeus” (487). Fellow jurors, you can see that this is a very offensive crime to commit on behalf of Socrates. It is very evident that he is finding this very comedic and entertaining while in reality, there are very grave consequences for his action. Though many of you might think that this is gossip, it is a real event that has happened and Socrates has to pay dearly.

Also, evidence has been shown that Socrates has been a menace particularly to the young children here in Athens. It was said that Socrates is “most disgusting and that he corrupts the young (23c). Someone like him must be punished by doing such an act; especially to our children. Fellow jurors, imagine if our offspring grew up with a similar mind to Socrates; do you not know what may come out of this?! They will develop traits comparable to Socrates and likewise will pass...