Crito Case
Essay Preview: Crito Case
Report this essay
“Crito” written by Plato, is a play that focuses upon Socrates and Crito. Socrates (a famous Athenian philosopher) has been sentenced to death when he refuses to stop studying the practice of philosophy. With few days to spare, Crito (a follower of Socrates) presents a plan to Socrates so that he may escape which in return initiates an argument between the two. Both of these characters provide a logical argument. Socrates boldly states his opinion with relations to G-d and the law, whereas Crito logically states his opinion with relation to his friends and “the people”.
Socrates is a man of good heart as well as good manner. Although he feels that he has been wrongfully accused he accepts the punishment that has been bestowed upon him. When given the option to escape the prison, he refuses. During his argument with Crito he states, “Do you imagine that a city can continue to exist and not be turned upside down, if the legal judgments which are pronounced in it have no force but are nullified and destroyed by private persons?” It seems as if Socrates believes the law stands above all and must be followed, without this the people would not be able to live a balanced manner. He further explains to Crito, that he was brought onto this earth because of the Athenian law. If he were to escape, he would be going against his father and mother because the Athenian government was the one that brought his parents together in marriage. Socrates also states to Crito that, “if you cannot persuade your country you must do whatever it orders, and patiently submit to any punishment that it imposes,” yet again showing that by accepting the death penalty he is simply obeying the law that he was born into.
Crito is a very devoted follower of Socrates. Upon entering the jail cell he has formulated a plan that would free Socrates. When presenting his argument he claims that the public will criticize all of Socrates disciples for the simple fact that they did not rescue their leader. Crito attempts to invoke anger in Socrates. He presents this argument, “But you are choosing the easier part, as I think, not the better and manlier, which would rather have become one who professes virtue in all his actions, like yourself.” Simply put he his claiming that Socrates is choosing he easy way out rather than being courageous. Crito uses his abundance of access to money to urge Socrates to escape, further providing him with a safe place to live if he were to do so. Lastly, Crito explains to Socrates that it is his responsibility to raise and educate his children. Throughout his argument Crito provides basic logical points.
Crito and Socrates made very blunt points in their quarrel. Crito attempts to delve into Socrates inner emotions and anger him. Socrates associates all of his opinion to “the law”. Crito possesses selfish motives when he claims that “the people” will speak ill