Socrates and His Friendship with Crito - Research Paper Example

The character of Crito and his importance in the life of Socrates is something that has been the subject of intense study and research in the past. Crito’s concern for his friend has been interpreted by different authors differently. While some have seen it as proof of his love for Socrates, some have dismissed it as evidence of his inability to understand his friend’s philosophy. “Commentators have pointed out that in the Phaedo Crito shows little interest in the philosophical argument developed by Socrates but is instead concerned only with the mundane details of Socrates’s last day” (Brickhouse, Thomas C; Smith, Nicholas D. 196). This statement would have us believe that Crito was not really interested in the philosophy of Socrates and thus does not qualify as a friend at all.

However, in real life, friends may not understand our attitudes towards life, but may care for us in a very sincere manner and thus qualify as friends. Critics have also pointed out the role of Crito in the financial affairs of Socrates, which they use as a point to accuse Crito of false friendship.  These questions include ones where he enquires of Socrates whether his refusal was because of the risks that he would run; “justice demands that friends run such risks” (West 73).

That the concern that Crito expresses for Socrates is thus that which would be expressed by any true friend is evident from this.