Table of Contents
What is the main point of Crito?
He suggests that one can only maintain good moral standing in one’s community by acting in accordance with their values, and that acting in any other way is “shameful.” Crito’s argument is therefore premised on his belief that the community is the ultimate judge of right and wrong action.
What is the story of Crito?
In Plato’s Crito, Socrates has been unjustly accused of his crimes by those opposed to him. His friend Crito comes to urge him to escape from the prison where he is being held awaiting execution. Crito argues that people will think Socrates’ friends do not care if he does not allow them to help him escape.
What is the issue in the Crito?
The problem, of course, is that Socrates’ accusers have unjustly sentenced him by using the Laws. By giving the Laws their own voice, Plato hopes to distinguish them as a separate entity, making them something human toward which Socrates might be able to act unjustly.
What is Crito’s argument claim?
Crito argues that Socrates should escape jail, and relies on the premises that he must consider the opinion of the public and that Socrates is betraying his children. Crito believes that Socrates is being foolish by remaining in jail and not escaping when given the opportunity.
What is the thesis of Crito?
The primary argument in Crito is that Socrates must uphold the laws of Athens and accept his punishment. The reason is that the laws have made possible the city in which Socrates has lived, and he owes the laws his obedience.
What are Crito’s reasons for Socrates to escape?
Crito is of the opinion that it would not be wrong for Socrates to escape because he has been imprisoned unjustly. Socrates does not agree with him and, accordingly, sets forth his reasons for holding that one is obliged to submit to the punishment imposed on him, even though the punishment may be an unjust one.
Why does Crito tell Socrates to escape?
All it would take is a few appropriate bribes, which would not be at all difficult to manage. Crito explains that if Socrates does not escape, no one would believe that he had willingly faced execution. Instead, Crito would be accused of not having helped Socrates, and of valuing his money more than his friend’s life.
What are the three moral appeals Socrates argues for in the Crito?
The Consequences of the Central Principle: (1) One must never do wrong. (2) Therefore, one must never return a wrong for a wrong. (3) As injuring one is the same as doing wrong to him, one must never injure another.
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 are Socrates main arguments against breaking the laws and escaping from jail?
Socrates Arguments In The Crito 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.
Why does Socrates refuse exile?
He is not afraid of death, which may in fact be ‘good’. —Socrates rejects imprisonment or a fine (which he could not pay, because of his poverty); he cannot suggest exile , since he would be as dangerous in another city as he is in Athens.
Why did Socrates not escape death?
He finally rejected an offer of escape as inconsistent with his commitment never to do wrong (escaping would show disrespect for the laws and harm the reputations of his family and friends).
Why does Socrates not take Crito’s offer to escape?
(cf. Crito 51 a) In escaping Socrates would act against his own philosophy and he would not be able to speak of virtue and goodness without being accused of dissimulation.
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.
What did Socrates propose himself?
—Socrates proposes a pension for life; he cannot honestly propose a self-punishment, since he does not think himself to be guilty of anything. He is not afraid of death, which may in fact be ‘good’. —Socrates rejects imprisonment or a fine (which he could not pay, because of his poverty);
What is Socrates saying in Crito?
In a dialogue with Crito, Socrates considers the proposal, trying to establish whether an act like that would be just and morally justified. Eventually, he came to argue that by rejecting his sentence and by trying to escape from prison he would commit unjust and morally unjustified acts.
Why does Crito think Socrates should escape?
What are Crito’s reasons for Socrates escaping from jail are any of these good reasons?
What is Socrates ultimate response to Crito’s plea?
In response to Crito’s plea that Socrates agree to be rescued, Socrates answers that Crito’s enthusiasm is only well exhibited if it is right and proper. When considering arguments, Socrates suggests, one ought only to take heed of those that seem right upon reflection.
What is the setting of Crito and Socrates?
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.
How can Crito help Socrates escape from his fate?
Alarmed by Socrates’ willing acceptance of his execution, Crito hastens to explain that he can and must help Socrates to escape. All it would take is a few appropriate bribes, which would not be at all difficult to manage. Crito explains that if Socrates does not escape, no one would believe that he had willingly faced execution.
What would Crito be accused of in this passage?
Instead, Crito would be accused of not having helped Socrates, and of valuing his money more than his friend’s life. Socrates suggests that one should only take heed of the opinions of sensible people who will see things exactly as they turned out.
What question does Crit Crito ask Socrates about the bribe?
Crito next addresses the question of whether Socrates is unwilling to escape for fear of inconveniencing or endangering his friends. He makes it clear that he and all Socrates’ friends are more than willing to face any kind of danger–besides which, the bribe is not an impossible sum, and there are quite a few wealthy men who can put up the money.