Crito Argument
Shakee G. Philbert
Ashford University
Tanya Martin
May 4, 2014 Crito is a dialog set in an Athenian prison. It takes place after the trial of Socrates but before his execution. In this dialog, Socrates is visited by his close friend Crito who is trying to convince Socrates for the last time that it is in his best interest to try and escape from prison. Through their discussion we find that Crito presents Socrates with arguments for why he should attempt an escape. Crito’s first argument states that if Socrates does not escape, he will be losing a very good friend. In addition, Crito feels he (Crito) will be looked upon in a negative fashion because people will think that it was possible for him to get Socrates out of jail, but he chose not to spend the money to do so. In the end, Crito believed people will not know that Socrates chose to stay in jail.
In his second argument, Crito reflects on why Socrates preferred not to escape prison. He believes Socrates will be troubled by the risk and financial expense that his friends will incur by helping Socrates escape prison. However, Crito assured Socrates that this is not an issue. Furthermore, Crito indicates that whatever money they spend on helping Socrates’ escape will be well worth it. Crito and Socrates’ allies are willing to bribe guards because they feel the risk of being caught is low and they are willing to do anything to keep him alive.
In Crito’s third argument, he discusses Socrates’ responsibility to his children. Since Socrates is a father, Crito believes he has an obligation to safeguard his children’s well-being and ensure their proper education. However, that cannot be done if Socrates is deceased. With this argument, Crito was trying to play to values that are very important to Socrates. Crito knows that Socrates tried to live his life in a good and right way and a good and right man would make sure that his children are taken care of. The good and smart thing to do would be to escape prison for the sake of his kids.
In response to Crito’s arguments, Socrates offers a couple of counter-arguments. The argument I will discuss is why Socrates feels the opinions of the majority do not matter or are
Plato’s Crito In Plato’s dialogue Crito, we get a second-hand account of Crito’s attempts to convince Socrates to escape execution as well as Socrates’ arguments as to why staying would be more sensible. Socrates has lived by his principles his entire life. He believes that escaping would defy everything that he stands for. Crito believes that Socrates’ break out will benefit himself and others more than harm them. Although both sides of the argument have equal value, Crito’s final argument about…
Crito Socrates was presented with the argument that he should escape from jail. Socrates friend came to visit him to try to get him to understand why it was so important for him to escape from jail. The first premise was that if he didn’t escape that Crito would be shamed by allowing his friend to be put to death. This premise was weak for the simple fact that this is what Crito thought would happen and possible a facally that he use so that Socrates would escape. The second premise…
Crito When is flight/escape/ rebellion justified against a state (e.g. Edward Snowdan) If someone has done something rebellious and the state wants to punish the individual for it, at what point is that individual justified in escaping (?) Stakes are high in Crito // Socrates (S) is going to be put to death // meaning it is a high individual cost for (S) Crito at the beginning as a friend sets out a series of arguments for why (S) should escape // And using the Socratic Method (S) will…
Socrates and Crito It is very obvious that Crito is Socrates’ closest friend. An entire dialogue is dedicated to him in Plato’s Five Dialogues and he is mentioned in the other two dialogues read for class. Although it is unknown how this friendship started and developed so strongly it is obvious to see how much Socrates means to Crito. As Aristotle stated, “friendship is most necessary for our life. For no one would choose to live without friends” (119). Although both Crito and Socrates…
Socrates In The Apology and Crito, Socrates attempts to explain how individuals should behave toward their state. Although there at first seems to be a contradiction between the messages in these two books, I believe that the ultimate message is the same, that an individual should do what is good for his state, as determined by the state. I will support this argument by providing examples in which Socrates states that one should do good towards his state. First, I will also explain what I mean when…
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Socrates presents a simple and logical defense to the court, but despite his efforts, is found guilty and sentenced to death. In “Crito,” Socrates and his friends are all convinced that he has been wrongly convicted, yet they respond very differently to the obvious injustice. Crito responds as most people would. Because Socrates’ death sentence was unfairly given, Crito feels justified in plotting an escape plan. Surprisingly, Socrates is morally opposed to fighting against the courts structure even…
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Due to experiencing the volatile state of the Athenian government, it is not surprising that Socrates had much to say on the topic of political philosophy. Central to his political theory was his position on how citizens ought to approach ethics and politics. In the Apology, Socrates' conduct demonstrates his belief that citizens must not be complacent when it comes to political virtue. In order to push citizens out of complacency, Socrates used a method called the “elecnhus” to prod citizens…
PHIL 1001: Human Nature Reading Guide #2 Plato’s Phaedo What is the scene like when Phaedo and Crito first arrive to see Socrates? Socrates is sentenced to death He is unchained because it is the day of his execution. He is lying in his bed with his friends and followers at his side. Socrates’ wife and son are by his side, hysterical Socrates begins to tell stories based on Aesop’s Fables Oddly, Plato is removed from the discussion he is “sick.” According to Socrates, why shouldn’t…
