FREE ESSAY ON CRITO, SOCRATES AND PLATO

CRITO, SOCRATES AND PLATO

Crito, as reported by Plato, is an account by where Crito is attempting to influence
Socrates that it is just to escape from prison to avoid certain death by execution.
Socrates' argument directly relates to the laws of the state and the role of the
individual within it. The Crito exhibits the character of Socrates as a good citizen, who
being unjustly condemned is willing to give up his life in obedience to the laws of the
State.
This report will discuss the major elements in Socrates' argument, regarding the injury
and injustice he would cause by escaping from prison prior to his execution. Further
discussion will be centered around Socrates' ability to maintain this ideology despite
his belief that the imposition of the sentence upon him, was in itself, unjust. 
Crito, a longtime devoted friend and believer of Socrates' ethical teachings presents a
compelling argument to escape. Although the arguments of Crito have merit, they have not
convinced Socrates that he should escape from prison. An escape would certainly denounce
the laws of the state, which Socrates has always declared to uphold. 
Escaping from prison would be a violation of the law of the land and would clearly imply
that Socrates is an enemy to that which makes for an orderly society. To ensure that the
orderly society remains civilized, a citizen has a moral responsibility to accept the
penalty of law; thus, accepting the consequences resulting from a breech of that law
whether just or unjust. Socrates decision could therefore bring a lasting effect to the
people's loyalty to the laws and how they are adhered to now and in the future. Hence
Socrates was looking out for the betterment of the Polis. By not adhering to the imposed
judgement he would be bringing an injustice to the state, which he has dedicated his life
and service to. 
Crito argued that in the opinion of many people, both Socrates and his friends will be
severely criticized if he does not make an attempt to escape. Socrates argues in defense
of this position by calling attention to the danger that is associated with following
public opinion. He illustrates that the opinion of some should be regarded and the
opinion of others should be disregarded. Additionally, by his escaping, it would be of no
benefit to him, his entrusted friends or family, as it would undoubtedly cause them
injury. Those who would have assisted in his escape would have likely been driven into
exile, lose their personal property and perhaps their citizenship. As for him personally,
departing to a neighboring city would be very problematic as he would be regarded as an
enemy and looked upon as a corrupter of the laws. Even moving to the less well governed
state of Thessaly would be of no more benefit. Despite the support of Crito's friends,
the citizens would ridicule him for his hypocrisy. 
Socrates and Crito are both in unanimity that the sentence was in fact unjust. Therefore,
Crito's opinion is that it would not be wrong for Socrates to escape because he has been
imprisoned unjustly. However, Socrates does not agree with Crito's thoughts, maintaining
his view of the necessity of fulfilling the terms of the sentence. Socrates believes that
when the state's interest conflicts with that of an individual, the individual should not
object to the state's imposition of power upon him, even though that which is being
imposed may be unjust. Socrates bases his argument on the fact that he is a citizen of
the state. Socrates was born, nourished and educated within its boundaries and as a
result has a committed obligation toward it. 
Socrates realizes he must not leave in an effort to escape the execution of the court's
sentence. Leaving would not only be dishonorable, but would indicate to the people an
insincerity that he is not willing to abide by the ideals he has characterized during his
teachings throughout his life. 
Socrates can depart from this life with a pure conscience, knowing that it is better to
die with honor under the limitations the law has set, then to live in shame. Further, to
die under these circumstances will provide him with a good defense when he stands before
the tribunal of the judgement of the dead. He will stand before them as a martyr to the
injustice of not the law, but those who have abused the law in order to bring about his
demise. 
Socrates demonstrated his true character in the Crito. He calmly and logically offered
his own moral point of view into his decision to remain in custody, and await his
execution.