Why We Shouldn T Socrates Escape Crito

Tyler Thomas
PHIL 1013
November 10, 2014
Socrates Vs Crito: Whether or Not He Should Escape In the Crito written by Plato, the jury had already sentenced Socrates to death on the charges of corrupting the youth of Athens and for not believing in the Gods of the state. As a choice of punishment, Socrates would have to willingly drink poison, leading to a painful death. It is worth noticing that before Socrates was convicted, he was given a few other option earlier to leave Athens and never return or to even stay in Athens but not speak his crazy beliefs. Socrates for his reasons chose to refuse those options, believing he was innocent and had not done anything wrong. Hearing about Socrates conviction and impending death, Crito who is Socrates’

He says that if Socrates decides to kill himself he would lose a good friend. He also mentions that it will hurt his (Crito’s) self-image and reputation. He believes people would not suspect that Socrates would willingly stay in jail, given the chance of escape. That would lead people to think that he values money more than friendship. (Crito, 44b-44c) In his second argument, Crito gives his reasons why he shouldn’t worry about his friends getting in trouble for helping him. He tells Socrates that they are willing to risk it to help him and even worse if it comes down to it. Furthermore, he informs him that it is cheap to pay off guards and anyone else willing to tell on them. (Crito, 44e-45b) In his third argument, he mentions that Socrates has a responsibility to his children. Being their father, it is Socrates’ responsibility and his duty to make sure his children are raised well and that they are educated. Crito tries to appeal to Socrates by implying that he does not truly care for his children if he chooses to kill himself. Further, he says he believes Socrates is taking the easy path, as courageous man would choose to escape, especially when he’s claimed to care for virtue throughout his life. (Crito,

He begins by arguing that the opinion of the majority shouldn’t matter; that only the opinions of experts should be considered. He uses an example of a person in training; that such a person should not listen to the general public, but to his trainer for they are the expert in that subject. Listening to other opinions could harm our body. Using this analogy, he extends it to what is the right way to act; implying that listening to the majority instead of experts, could be harmful to the soul. Socrates says the most important thing is not living, but living a good life, so that listening to a majority is not as important if it means giving up something that is important for living a good life. Socrates claims that living with a body that is corrupted or in bad condition is not worth living. (Crito, 48b) He then speaks upon agreements, and asks Crito whether one should always fulfill agreements; Crito agrees of course. By that, Socrates explains that he is in agreement with the city of Athens and therefore, must follow all rules. He believes he owes everything to Athens, as Athens has given everything he has to him. Breaking out of prison whether justly accused or not, would be harming the city, says Socrates. He points out that escaping would also bring harm to the citizens, and ultimately to his own soul. Crito, apparently convinced by Socrates’s arguments, had nothing left to