The dialogue between friends, Crito and Socrates, shows the similarities in each thought process as both men are eager to display their integrity to their community. My analysis will show an evaluation of the parallels between Crito’s and Socrates’ understanding of what is morally appropriate. First, I will elaborate on Crito’s argument in which a plan to escape prison is the best choice for both himself and Socrates. Second, it will be important to discuss Socrates’ rebuttal to Crito. This comparison will be accomplished in this paper by contrasting both of their viewpoints. Lastly, I will explain to the reader why Socrates’ convictions are stronger and more important because he asserts a moral attitude into his decision. In any just or unjust
Crito was afraid because his friend Socrates was willing to be executed; Crito made haste to explain that he can and must help Socrates to escape. All it would take is a few appropriate bribes to the guards and anyone who was willing to provide meaningful information, which would not be at all difficult to take care of. Crito further explains that if Socrates does not escape, no one would believe that he had willingly faced execution. Instead, Crito would be accused of not helping Socrates, He would rather be accused of being materialistic. Socrates suggests that one should only be cautious of the opinions of sensible people who will see things exactly as they turned out.
In the reading, Crito came to Socrates requesting for him to escape prison. Crito presented some arguments as to why Socrates should leave while in return, Socrates presented counter arguments as to why he should stay. In the end, Socrates chose to stay in prison and go along with his death sentence. Socrates doing this was the correct choice because Crito failed to present a compelling argument to why he should leave (54-end). Socrates is already of old age, so why damage his reputation by escaping and living the little years he had left to suffer a lifetime of guilt, hatred, and throwing away a possibility for those left behind to witness the flaws in their governmental system.
Crito is supposedly a friend to Socrates but his words and actions does not speak the same intentions. He tells Socrates that if he will not leave and escape prison, that everyone would think that he didn’t care about his friend well enough to help him. Socrates is not concerned about the opinion of the majority, for it is capable of neither the greatest evil nor the greatest good. Crito then questioned Socrates on many different things and also degraded his name and manhood. Some of the concerns listed by Crito regarded Socrates’ kids, the fact that his friends may be excluded from the Community, and playing into the hands of his enemies and giving aid to the ones who are disregarding the demands of justice.
After being convicted in Athens of corrupting the youth and not believing in the Gods, Socrates was sentenced to death. Crito, a friend of Socrates comes to him while he is awaiting his punishment. Crito tries to convince Socrates to escape to another city, but Socrates chooses to stay and face his punishment in Athens after taking a look at the reasons to escape and the reasons to stay. Philosophical and personal issues were also contemplated by Socrates while making his decision. Socrates allows Crito to make his arguments, then Socrates makes his; after Crito fails to convince Socrates to escape, Socrates chooses to stay.
In the Greek literary work Apology written by Plato, Socrates was convicted for refusing to recognize the gods recognized by the state, introducing new divinities and corrupting the youth. It is believed by many critics that Socrates knew he was going to be sentenced to death so, he was able to use his defense as an opportunity to clear his reputation, confront his accusers, but most significantly instruct the Athenians. He wanted them to look into themselves and seek virtue and wisdom before looking into personal interests. We notice throughout Socrates’ defense that there is a continued theme of wisdom and teaching towards the Athenians.
Socrates, on his death bed, did not want to escape his punishment because he did not fear death and wanted to stand by what he believed (Source B). This allows Socrates’s followers to gain tremendous amounts of respect for him because he followed through with his beliefs until the end. This makes an effective ruler because then his followers respect him and thus it helps everyone in a whole. Not only was Socrates true to himself but he also was brave. It took tremendous amounts of courage for Socrates to spread his views at a time when they were not popular (Source B).
Crito wanted Socrates to escape prison however Socrates had a very different view on the matter. Socrates was gonna face his sentence, if he did not then this would nullify his teaching of morals and honor, this was a very respectful choice. Crito was afraid that people would think that he had done nothing when he could have, which would have ruined his reputation. To this, Socrates
The Crito is Plato’s account of the conversation that took place between Socrates and his wealthy friend Crito in a prison cell while he awaited execution. Crito is amazed by how serene and peaceful his friend Socrates is sleeping (Plato, Tredennick, & Tarrant, 2003, p79). At the same time, Crito is sleepless and depressed, and it would be not hard to think that Socrates should be the person in that state. Crito is desperately attempting to convince Socrates that his execution would mean not only losing an irreplaceable friend, but that he would be forever blamed for not saving him due to the fact that nobody would believe him that it would be Socrates would refuse such an offer. Crito’s worries that negative public opinion would not only tarnish him, but all of Socrates followers as well.
In the dialogue between Crito and Socrates in “The Crito” by Plato, they discuss the ongoing controversy of whether or not unjust laws should be broken. On the one hand, Crito argues that Socrates owes it to society to break the law and escape being sent to his death. On the other hand, Socrates contends that the laws were in place for a reason and they must be followed. While trying to justify Socrates’ decision to obey the law he asks Crito, “...ought we to follow the opinion of the many and to fear them; or the opinion of the one man who has understanding…” (Plato). In questioning this, Socrates is bringing to
Socrates’ Arguments in the Crito In The Crito, Socrates argues that he should not escape prison because it would be morally incorrect. He says that the really important thing is not to live but to live well. Therefore, by escaping prison, not only will he suffer the consequences but also his family, his friends, and the city of Athens. Socrates argues that the city of Athens would be affected if he escapes from prison.
He held that upright life is the only life worth living. To him, justice was a matter of knowledge and hence, a truth aspect. Meanwhile, he honored and acknowledged his duty to obey the Laws of the state. From Socrates' perspective, Laws are absolute.
While Socrates awaits his death in prison, Crito visits him one day to discuss Socrates choice to stay and await his penalty. Crito has various criticisms of Socrates’s decision which I will present and explain. I will then explore how Socrates responds to each of Crito’s criticisms and the successfulness of his responses. Finally, I will analyze Socrates’s response and give my own opinion of its effectiveness.
The version of Socrates presented in both The Apology, Crito, and The Republic could very well be two different versions of Socrates as presented by Plato. However, both versions of Socrates have one thing in common: they both value the importance of philosophy and they both defend philosophy as something that is important to humanity. The Apology is Socrates defending not only himself, but also philosophy as an area of study that could be useful to the city of Athens. Socrates is trying to defend himself and his study and he tries to distance himself from the sophists in that they charge for money.
Socrates believes that justice benefits the just, but also benefits the city (other people) too. He is faced with a seemingly simple choice, escape Athens or remain in prison and be sentenced to death. Socrates’ central argument against escaping his circumstances is twofold. First, Socrates argues that “one must never do wrong.” (49b)
Philosophical thinking uses three acts of the mind: understanding, judgement, and reason. In order to have a sound argument all of the concepts must be applied. Socrates didn’t want to please the people by saying or doing what they wanted him to say or do. Socrates thought it was not important to seek wealth or fame; he was concerned with truth and virtue. He wanted to create an impact on humanity by relying on the truth and shining a light in people’s lives, even if they put him on trial.