In one of his responses Socrates explains to Crito that one should not base his decisions on the opinions of the majority. In another response, Socrates asserts that a citizen should follow the laws of the state. The state of Athens is a democracy and, as such, is ruled by the people (Cartwright).
What is Socrates’ argument in the Crito?
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.
What is the main idea of the Crito?
The Crito records the conversation that took place in the prison where Socrates was confined awaiting his execution. It is in the form of a dialog between Socrates and Crito, an elderly Athenian who for many years has been a devoted friend of Socrates and a firm believer in his ethical teachings.
What does Socrates have a responsibility to his sons?
In Crito’s third argument, Crito tells Socrates that he has a responsibility to his sons. Crito goes on to say that Socrates has a responsibility to make sure his children are brought up correctly and get the best education there is. Crito argues that Socrates has a good moral character and he see that his children are cared for.
How did Socrates escape from jail according to Pluto's Crito?
In Pluto’s Crito, Crito try’s to persuade Socrates to escape from jail to prevent them from killing him. However, Socrates provides a counter argument to his pleas. Crito presents seven different arguments for Socrates escape from prison. Crito argued that if Socrates does not escape, he would hurt Crito.
How does Socrates respond to Crito's arguments?
One of Crito's strongest arguments in favor of escape comes at 45c, where Crito suggests that Socrates would be abetting the wrong-doing of his enemies in following through with their wishes. Socrates' reply to this argument is that he would in fact be harming the Laws, which are just.
Does Socrates agree with Crito?
Their argument questions whether citizens should always follow the law. They originally have different opinions and reasoning, but Crito eventually comes to agree with Socrates. Both Socrates and Crito express many valid points on the subject.
What was Socrates decision in the Crito?
20th WCP: Socrates' Last Error. ABSTRACT: In the dialogue, Crito, Socrates justified his decision to accept his death penalty. His decision was praised as principled and just. However, such a view was one of the greatest myths in the history of philosophy.
Why does Socrates refuse Crito's offer of escape?
He brings Crito to agree that it is not important “to live, but to live well” and this means living “honourable and justly”. (Crito 48 b) Socrates admits that if escaping turns out to be just he has to do his best to achieve freedom.
How does Socrates react to Crito's claim that if he escapes he will be able to spend time with his wife and children?
Socrates believes if he escapes this would injure the state by advocating an individual can take the law into their own hands. Socrates explains to crito that he could not live a good life if he escapes.
What is Socrates starting point in his discussion with Crito?
Socrates answers first that one should not worry about public opinion, but only listen to wise and expert advice.
Why does Socrates think that Crito should not be concerned with popular opinion?
Socrates, on the other hand, insists that the truth is fully independent from public opinion. For this reason, there's no reason to worry about how others perceive one's actions, so long as they're undertaken in accordance with the greater good.
What news does Crito bring to Socrates?
What news does Crito bring Socrates? He brings bad news that the ship will arrive that same day and his life will come to an end the day after.
Why does Crito argue against Socrates?
Crito presents many reasons to Socrates for why Socrates should escape. The first two are fairly weak. The third, concerning Socrates’ responsibility to his children is the strongest. Crito’s first argument is that if Socrates does not escape, then Socrates will then in turn be hurting Crito in two ways. One Crito will lose a good friend ...
Why does Crito say Socrates does not want to escape?
He says that if Socrates is worried that by escaping he will harm his friends who could get in trouble for trying to helping him escape, then his fears are unfounded.
What happens to Crito when Socrates dies?
One Crito will lose a good friend when Socrates dies and Crito’s reputation will in turn be hurt too . People won’t know that Socrates chose to remain in jail, they will think Crito had the opportunity to get Socrates out but that he did not do so because he was not willing to spend the money.
What does Crito say about escaping jail?
Crito says that staying in jail is the easy thing to do, but escaping takes courage, and the right thing to do is to be brave for the sake of his children. In response to Crito’s arguments Socrates considers first, why the opinion of the majority is not the most important opinion, second, what the consequences of escaping would be for the city ...
Why did Socrates think his soul would be harmed?
He thought his soul would be harmed because he assumed that by harming the city he would be also harming his soul. Being responsible for harm to others is something that causes harm to one’s soul.
What does Crito say about his friends?
He says that Crito overlooks the possibility that his friends would be both willing and capable of bringing his children up. If he were to escape, he does not think it would be in his children’s best interest to raise them there, because there they would be considered foreigners.
What would happen if Socrates escaped?
He says that the laws and the city could be destroyed if he escaped. Legal judgments could lose their force if they were not abided by private citizens, and a city without laws would not remain intact for very long. Socrates also thought he would be harming the condition of his soul by escaping.
What is the response to Crito's argument of Socrates?
Response To Crito's Argument Of Socrates example essay topic. 1. Crito's Arguments The arguments of Crito are centred and clear. He uses simple persuasion to try and convince Socrates to escape. His arguments push the idea that Socrates should attempt escape for the sake of others, namely his children, friends and the many.
What does Socrates prove to Crito?
In doing this, he proves to Crito that the opinion of the many would be wrong in the case of justice. Having established that one must not follow the many, most of Crito's arguments are dismissed. Socrates proceeds to argue that a just and honourable life is to be valued most. He states that the doer of evil is hurt more than the receiver.
Why did Crito argue that Socrates should escape?
His arguments push the idea that Socrates should attempt escape for the sake of others, namely his children, friends and the many. Crito points out that other men would have no hesitation in escaping, despite their age. This is dismissed when Socrates states that someone who has lived so long should rejoice in the fact that they have had such ...
What does Crito tell Crito about his life?
This would clearly be wrong. He tells Crito that he has lived in Athens his whole life and agreed to their rule and in doing this has made an unwritten contract with the city. To escape now would betray everything he has taught his students and lived for to this point. In response to Crito's argument of Socrates deserting his children, ...
What does Crito show in the example of a gymnast?
Through the example of a gymnast, he shows Crito that one should follow someone with understanding in the matters of justice rather than the many, who are only to be feared.
What did Socrates say in response to Crito's argument of Socrates deserting his children?
In response to Crito's argument of Socrates deserting his children, he states that in escaping, he hurts them more by depriving them of Athenian citizenship. Socrates also states that a government can not function if the laws are discarded with such little thought. Thus, Socrates should abide by the ruling for the sake of the state.
Why does Socrates plead with Socrates to let go of his worry?
He pleads with Socrates to let go of his worry since they are willing to take this chance. He points out that Socrates need not worry about using his money or anyone else he knows since Crito's friends have come from Thessaly with money to persuade the guards. He can escape and go to Thessaly where he will be loved just as much as in Athens.
What would happen if Crito helped Socrates escape?
This is why Socrates…show more content…. If Crito helps him escape, he will earn a bad reputation as well. If his friends help him escape, they would be putting themselves in danger of being prosecuted and losing their money. His children would be known to have a father who's on the run because he broke the law and they would be left alone ...
Why does Socrates argue in the Crito?
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. By escaping from prison, he would be breaking the laws of the city. Since the laws all together are seen as one, by breaking one law he would be breaking all the laws. In order for a law to be legitimate, the citizens of the city must follow the laws. If the law is broken, it is no longer a legitimate law. This is why Socrates…show more content…
Why does Socrates believe he should stay and face his execution?
Therefore, he believes that he should stay and face his execution because it is better to die than to live with a ruined soul. Socrates uses all of these points to support his main argument which is that escaping jail would be morally incorrect. Crito accepts his arguments and Socrates decides he is going to. Show More.
Why did Montag kill Beatty?
Montag did was he thought was right according to him because Montag thought that he was protecting himself and Faber, killing him to give society a chance to change, and because Beatty did not want to live anymore.
What happens if Crito breaks the law?
In order for a law to be legitimate, the citizens of the city must follow the laws. If the law is broken, it is no longer a legitimate law . This is why Socrates…show more content…. If Crito helps him escape, he will earn a bad reputation as well .
Why does Juan write to Mariana?
Juan writes to his loved one, Mariana because she has decided to leave the country and escape to Paris. Juan knows his letter can jeopardize Mariana’s safety as well as his.
What happens in society when riots occur?
And in society when riots occur, people ignore what is right from wrong and believe they can get away with stealing and hurting others since they outnumber the police. Without law and order, the boys on the island were forced to live in a reality without adults and authority and had to think and survive for themselves.
What does Socrates tell Crito?
He tells Crito that if he can manage to persuade him to escape during their argument that he would do so but, if he cannot sway Socrates away from his decision of staying that he cannot would not leave and face his sentence of death.
What are the arguments for Socrates and Crito?
Arguments of Crito and Socrates. In Pluto’s Crito, Crito try’s to persuade Socrates to escape from jail to prevent them from killing him. However, Socrates provides a counter argument to his pleas. Crito presents seven different arguments for Socrates escape from prison. Crito argued that if Socrates does not escape, he would hurt Crito.
Why did Crito come to visit Socrates in prison?
Crito came to visit Socrates in prison and tried to convince him or presented an argument that escaping from prison would be the best thing for him, his friends, and is family. Crito stated that many men would look at him wrong, because he would not pay to get Socrates out of prison.
Why does Crito's reputation suffer?
If this is the case, Crito’s reputation will suffer because everyone will think Crito cares more about the money that is spent for the escape rather than Socrates himself. In Crito’s second argument, he wonders why Socrates would rather stay than face the death penalty.
What was the purpose of Crito and Socrates?
Crito stated that many men would look at him wrong, because he would not pay to get Socrates out of prison. That it would look like Crito valued money more than the friendship that he had with Socrates. Another premise that Crito made was that Socrates would be leaving his children to be orphan, because their father was going to be put to death. Crito showed Socrates support by letting him know that he could to other places and preach his truth because he knew people that would help him out. Crito explained how many people were willing to help financially to help Socrates escape from prison. The premises that Crito used to support his claim of Socrates escaping prison were, he would make his friends look better to the many people on the street, he would be able to care for his children, he would be able to relocate and continue telling his truth, and that he had friends that were willing to help him during this time. Although Socrates may have appreciated the care and concern that Crito demonstrated he did present several counter arguments to Crito’s request.......
What is Crito's third argument?
In Crito’s third argument, Crito tells Socrates that he has a responsibility to his sons. Crito goes on to say that Socrates has a responsibility to make sure his children are brought up correctly and get the best education there is. Crito argues that Socrates has a good moral character and he see that his children are cared for. Crito argues that it takes courage to escape from jail and it would be the brave thing to do for his children, instead of being a coward if he accepts the death penalty.
How did Socrates counter Crito's arguments?
Socrates countered Crito’s arguments by telling him he can’t just start rejecting his arguments because of his situation (Pluto, 360 B.C.). Socrates strongest argument involves the issue of abandoning his sons. Socrates argues that Crito is only assuming that his children won’t be cared for.
What does Socrates say about Crito?
At this point, Socrates introduces the voice of the Laws of Athens, which speaks to him and explain why it would be unjust for him to leave his cell.
What would happen if Socrates broke from prison?
If Socrates were to break from prison now, having so consistently validated the social contract, he would be making himself an outlaw who would not be welcome in any other civilized state for the rest of his life. And when he dies, he will be harshly judged in the underworld for behaving unjustly toward his city's laws.
What would happen if Crito stayed?
On a more ethical level, Crito presents two more pressing arguments: first, if he stayed, he would be aiding his enemies in wronging him unjustly, and would thus be acting unjustly himself; and second, that he would be abandoning his sons and leaving them without a father.
What is Socrates' duty to the citizen?
These Laws present the citizen's duty to them in the form of a kind of social contract.
Where does Crito take place?
Crito: Summary | SparkNotes. The dialogue takes place in Socrates' prison cell, where he awaits execution. He is visited before dawn by his old friend Crito, who has made arrangements to smuggle Socrates out of prison to the safety of exile.
Did Socrates' death reflect badly on his friends?
On a practical level, Socrates' death will reflect badly on his friends--people will think they did nothing to try to save him. Also, Socrates should not worry about the risk or the financial cost to his friends; these they are willing to pay, and they have also arranged to find Socrates a pleasant life in exile.
Should Crito worry about Socrates?
Crito should not worry about how his, Socrates', or others' reputations may fare in the general esteem: they should only concern themselves with behaving well. The only question at hand is whether or not it would be just for Socrates to attempt an escape.
What does Crito tell Socrates?
For this reason, Crito tells Socrates that tomorrow will be his last day alive. Socrates states that if such is the will of God, he is willing to die. However, he is convinced, because of a dream that he experienced that morning, that there will be a delay of one more day.
Why is Crito not convinced that Socrates is the victim of unjust laws?
Still, Crito is not convinced, for he maintains that Socrates has been the victim of unjust laws, and for this reason it is proper and right for him to disobey them.
What is Crito forced to admit?
Crito is forced to admit that Socrates has presented a strong argument with reference to the inadvisability of following public opinion, or even the voice of the majority, when it comes to matters of crucial importance.
Why does Crito say it is proper and right to return evil for evil?
Again, Crito maintains that it is proper and right to return evil for evil. Because Socrates has been treated in an evil manner, it will be only a matter of justice for him to treat the state in a like manner.
What does Crito ask Socrates about escaping prison?
Crito asks if Socrates does not fear that escaping from prison would cause his friends to get in trouble with the authorities of the land and that this might cause them to lose a portion of their property or possibly suffer something that might be even worse than that.
What is the meaning of the Crito?
The Crito records the conversation that took place in the prison where Socrates was confined awaiting his execution. It is in the form of a dialog between Socrates and Crito, an elderly Athenian who for many years has been a devoted friend of Socrates and a firm believer in his ethical teachings. The conversation takes place at an early hour on what proved to be the next-to-the-last day that Socrates remained alive. Like both the Euthyphro and the Apology, this dialog reveals something of the character of Socrates by describing the manner in which he faced difficult circumstances without being overcome by them. In the Crito, particular attention is given to the reasons advanced by Socrates for refusing to escape from prison as a means of saving his own life. The circumstances were such that he might easily have done so, and his friends were urging him to do it.
How old was Socrates when he met Crito?
We cannot be certain about what he would have done under these circumstances, but there is one important difference between Plato and Socrates at the time when the conversation with Crito took place: Socrates was seventy years old, while Plato was only a young man in his early thirties.
What does Crito say about Socrates?
He admits he’s depressed with the thought of Socrates’ demise (43b). Marveling at the sleeping Socrates, hoping that Socrates sleeps as well as possible, he reflects on the fond thoughts he’s had for Socrates all his life (43c; on the length of that companionship, 49b). Crito calls Socrates “a friend whom I can never possibly replace,” the loss of which will be a “calamity” (44b). His relationship with Socrates makes it “surely right for us to run that risk [sc. to have to forfeit property, pay a fine, or incur some other punishment] in saving you, and even worse, if necessary” (45a1). These sentiments and the constancy of Crito’s attendance on Socrates gain support from the Phaedo and the Euthydemus. That Crito twice uses a less morally-laden word for friendship, ἐπιτηδείος (44b8, e2), the form pointing to the pleasure and satisfaction of companionship, and only once uses φίλος , the form better indicating the obligations bound up in friendship (44c3), does not lessen the seriousness with which he admits his affection and commitment. His use of these near-synonyms simply reflects the claims he’s making: that Socrates’ death will be highly unpleasant to him, and that there will be moral implications in not saving Socrates. (He gives other reasons concerned with Socrates’ own good later on, but in those cases he doesn’t need to use the vocabulary of friendship.)
What is the relationship between Socrates and Crito?
The Crito establishes Crito’s great friendship for Socrates. This is despite the appearance that Crito really just cares for his own reputation. It is the strength of Crito’s affection for Socrates that both preempts his thinking about justice and will, with Socrates’ help, encourage him to come to think more thoroughly about justice. Socrates can only get people to reflect by having them realize that what they already care about requires that reflection; harnessing existing motivations solves the problem of getting someone excited about something he doesn’t yet value.
What does Crito say in his speech?
Crito does once say, “Are you worried about… costing us too much money, ruining us?” (44e), but before Socrates can answer, Crito preempts him, saying it’s right for him to risk this. Crito cannot use whatever superior insight into the question of escape he might have, because he cannot see where Socrates might actually be confused. Surely, he thinks, Socrates’ perverse attitude toward the trial, his irresponsible view about childrearing, and his general obstinacy can be analyzed in detail, once Socrates is free of the most immanent danger. The conversation happening in jail rather than in freedom may contribute to Crito’s thought that they aren’t in leisured conversation like free citizens, and so can’t elaborate or speak perfectly. [3] But Crito’s lack of pedagogical activity might hint at his failure to ensure he himself has adequately considered that about which he speaks here. And it may be the wrong attitude toward a closest friend. A loyal friend does not follow blindly; he listens with care. So Socrates’ loyalty to Crito should not be used to force action but to gain his attention.
Why did Plato depict Socrates talking to Crito about these matters?
Why did Plato depict Socrates talking to Crito about these matters? I think Crito stood in for Athens (in a certain way—Crito didn ’t vote to convict Socrates), both in the beliefs they shared and in the commitment and love Socrates had to and for either. [19] Athenians seem to be of two minds about legal matters. They surely want Socrates to obey his conviction, yet are the source of the bad reputation Crito says he’ll have if he doesn’t try to help Socrates escape (44c). They found Socrates’ behavior reprehensible, yet are, as the foundation of Athens’ social norms, responsible for the shame Crito says Socrates will experience should he put up with the recent absurd course of events. (The narrowly split jury in the Apology symbolizes this split in the masses.) They assign Socrates to the jail, yet bribes are evidently quite cheap (43a, 45a). The Athenians seem ambivalent about the value of law-abidingness.[20] They often value friendship commitments over legal commitments, and don’t know how to incorporate them. This doesn’t mean that the Athenians in general or Crito in particular have no concern for lawfulness, but that their commitments are left in conflict.[21] This inconsistency allows a person to appeal to one or the other value, if both apply, depending on what course of action he wishes to support. Socrates can be surprised that the jailer let Crito in only if Socrates believes the jailer has a strong commitment to the rules; Crito explains that this commitment was bested by friendly familiarity (and by a favor). Others besides Crito suffer his problem, thinking that caring for one’s friends trumps caring for justice conceived in any other way, as, for example, following the law or acting for the common good. In Socrates’ view, though, as I interpret it, one best serves one’s friends not by keeping them alive but by acting justly, and bringing them to act justly. But having not reflected on justice and the nature of friendship-commitments before choosing Socrates’ future, the Athenians, through their jurymen, have done themselves ill. The Crito does not present a comprehensive analysis of the “benefit to friends, harm to enemies” theory of justice, or of a separate theory of friendship, but it surely points to their complications and what work must precede their respective elaborations.
Why is it important for Socrates to separate Crito from the Laws?
[18] It is important for Socrates to create this separation because Crito is liable to accept without question what he hears from Socrates. Giving Crito a lesson about obeying the law would apparently be of little value, for all his contradictory impulses, expectations, and conceptions would remain to oppose anything new he would try to bring in. A speech will not stamp a new, crisp, and true imprint of the nature of justice into Crito’s psyche. The only way for him to live better is to observe his diverse and divergent commitments and work them out.
How does Socrates talk?
First, Socrates, though depicted realistically throughout the dialogues, talks in unusual ways. He gives the long speeches of Menexenus and Phaedrus right in the middle of his conversation; he tells the mythic stories in Gorgias, Republic, and Phaedo; he does a good job leaving everyone confused at the end of what he says. Second, Crito, repeating the same things over and over (48e2), apparently needs some strong way to get through to him. Crito must have at least some esteem for long speeches, even if not much for his own, so perhaps Crito is a more likely candidate than other people are for a long-speech treatment. Also, we don’t always want, in that long talk, to say what we think about something—such divulgences may be completely irrelevant to the person listening. We may have enough faith in our interlocutors that they will think back over what we said and understand why, at the crucial moment, we spoke as we did.
Why does Crito appeal to Socrates?
Here Crito appeals to Socrates’ worry that his friend Crito could get a bad reputation, hoping that the desire to prevent Crito from getting this bad reputation would motivate Socrates to escape. It may appear that Crito is quite selfishly asking Socrates to undermine whatever principles he has for staying in jail so that Crito might look less bad in the aftermath. [1] That Socrates takes Crito as very worried about popular opinion is clear from the amount of time he spends addressing its value (44c7-10, d6-10, 46d1-48a10). Crito’s fear of public opinion, given his belief that such opinion sentenced his most irreplaceable friend to death, is also clear. Ought we to think that Crito’s preeminent vice is an unhealthy, or at least unsocratic, concern for what others think?
Why does Crito urge Socrates to escape?
List at least seven reasons Crito urges upon Socrates for making his escape. the ship is arriving today, his reputation will be tarnished, Socrates is giving up his life when he can save it. He is hatening his fate as his enemies would. He is betraying his sons. He says he is choosing the easiest path when he should be choosing the one ...
Who said the majority can inflict the greatest of evils if one is slandered among them?
Crito says that the majority can inflict the greatest of evils if one is slandered among them.
