Crito

2 Pages 620 Words

Philosophers have existed since man could think freely. However, by nature they are controversial and often disliked or misunderstood. Such is the case with Socrates in Plato’s Crito. Because of his views, Socrates has been thrown in prison. During his trial in Athens he was convicted of the accused crimes by the law and sentenced to death. Now Socrates awaits his death in prison.
The first argument that Crito makes is that if Socrates remains in prison then it will reflect badly on all of his friends. However, Socrates replies that a man should not worry about what others think of him. Rather they should worry about living well.
While Crito tries to persuade Socrates to leave the prison with him, Socrates gives forth many reasons why it would be wrong for him to leave the prison. First of all there is a simple principle that they must both agree upon. And that is that one cannot combat evil with evil. Once that is out of the way Socrates asks Crito, What is a man to do, “what he proclaims to be right or what he knows is wrong?” Obviously the answer is what a man proclaims to be right. However, in this case Socrates knows he should challenge the courts decision, but at what cost. For you see, Socrates has already proclaimed that evil cannot be combated with evil, and for him to be challenging the courts he would be defacing Athens laws and customs. To do this would be the same as doing wrong to the Athenian people. So in reality Socrates is caught in a “catch 22.”
Socrates also explains that to harm the laws would be to deny his citizenship. The laws have always existed and have controlled his life since before he was born. The laws also governed his education and daily activities. In all actuality he is a slave to the laws. And as it is improper for a slave to disobey or strike his master, Socrates is unable to harm the laws, because they are on different planes of existence. Socrates also adds tha...