25.3 The Responsible Citizen

Now Socrates goes into a discussion of his political involvement, which resulted not from any activism on his part, he claims, but from carrying out his normal duties as a citizen. He tells the story of his service as a member of the executive committee of the Council when the generals from the Battle of Arginusae were accused (see ch. 19.4*). “Then I alone of the [executive] committee opposed you and voted against violating the law. When the popular speakers were ready to denounce and arrest me and you were making an uproar demanding action, I resolved to take my chances on the side of the law and justice rather than to side with you in your lawless intentions and threats of imprisonment or death.” The people later regretted their action and Socrates’ position was vindicated — but too late for the generals and for the safety of the city. He had stood for constitutional law and principle and against the passions of the moment that so often led the democracy astray.

Under the oligarchy, too, he points out, he did what was right. When the Thirty ordered him to arrest Leon of Salamis, he alone of the five citizens commissioned to carry out the deed refused to do so. He went home and ignored the order. Again, Socrates acted on principle and avoided wrong actions, even if they were sanctioned by government authority. One interesting historical question arises at this point. At about the same time as Meletus brought Socrates to trial on a charge of impiety, a man named Meletus brought Andocides to trial on a similar charge (see ch. 23.1*). The latter Meletus was one of the four men who had arrested Leon of Salamis. There has been scholarly controversy over whether the same individual is responsible for both prosecutions, but the similar modus operandi and timing of the prosecutions suggest the possibility, and the extant evidence cannot exclude the identification. Thus it may be the case that Socrates’ refusal to obey the oligarchs was particularly embarrassing and especially galling to his chief prosecutor, who saw in Socrates a constant reminder of his own failings.

Socrates goes on to talk about his interactions with his young followers. He points out that he conversed with people in the open where anyone could listen in. But he has never received tuition for his instruction or claimed to teach anyone anything. If he has corrupted any young men they, or their parents at least, should accuse him.

In the courtroom are a large number of his young associates and their relatives, supporting Socrates. He names Critobulus and his father Crito, Aeschines and his father Lysanias, Epigenes’ father Antiphon, Nicostratus brother of the late Theodotus, Paralius brother of the late Theages, Apollodorus and his brother Acantidorus, and Plato and his brother Adimantus. These men are in the best position to accuse Socrates of corrupting the youth. They may in fact have given affidavits in favor of Socrates in the pre-trial hearing. Socrates offers Meletus the opportunity to call them or anyone else who has first-hand knowledge of Socrates’ baleful effects on the youth. Meletus remains silent.