Socrates and Crito - Essay Example

CRITO by Plato Introduction Socrates and Crito were the two famous Greek philosophers. Socrates was imprisoned and was waiting for execution. At that time Crito visited him and had a long conversation. Crito wanted to take Socrates out of the prison but Socrates was ready for execution. In their conversation Crito highlighted many arguments for changing Socrates’ decision but that ultimately did not influenced Socrates to change his mind. This essay will highlight the important things which were discussed in between them during their conversation.

Discussion Crito visited Socrates before dawn and made different arrangements for smuggling Socrates from the prison. But Socrates was not willing to accept the views of Crito. Crito placed many arguments for influencing Socrates to escape from prison. Crito believed that death of Socrates would create negative impressions on him and his friends. Crito and his friends supported Socrates and loved him a lot. For this reason they wanted to save him. But if they are unable to save Socrates then people would think that Crito and his friend did nothing for their dear friend.

Crito stated that Socrates should not be concerned about the financial costs and risks which his friends had to bear for saving him. Crito and his friends were willing to pay money and fines for saving Socrates’ life. They also arranged a better life for Socrates. Crito tried his best by presenting best arguments to take Socrates out from prison. Ethical issues were pointed out by Crito. He stated that if Socrates stays in the prison then his enemies would be benefited by this. So it would be an injustice to Socrates.

Moreover if Socrates accepts his execution then his sons would be left alone. They would not get the guidance of their father. But Socrates was not concerned about public opinion (Plato 67). He was interested to listen to the advices of expert people. For this reason Socrates advised Crito not to get concerned with the opinions of others. During their conversation Socrates stated the Law of Athens and explained that why it would be unjust and unethical for him to escape from prison. According to Socrates if one person breaks the law then other will get influenced to do so and that would cause great harm to the society.

As a citizen he was bound to follow the law like a child. Socrates stated that he would follow legal and ethical way for getting out of prison. Maintaining law is the duty of the citizen. It is a kind of social contract. Socrates wanted to follow the contract as he was the citizen of Athens. Escaping from prison would be considered as validating the social contract. After doing this Socrates would not be accepted as a citizen of Athens and he would be not welcomed by this state. By focusing on these facts Socrates convinced Crito that it would be better for him to stay in prison.

Conclusion The significant views and opinions of Socrates and Crito during their conversation in the prison are explained in this essay. Crito being a close friend of Socrates tried hard to take him out from the jail. But Socrates wanted to follow the rules and regulations of the state for showing his duty and responsibilities towards the society. Work Cited Plato. Crito. Virginia: Cathal Woods. 2011. Print.