Plato Crito Analysis

In Plato’s “Crito”, Socrates argues that even if one does not agree with the political decision the government makes, it is not right of a citizen to disregard them. Simply, the role one has in its state and society includes following the laws set in place. For example, Socrates claims that he needs to respect the wishes of the government, though he may not see them as just. The justness of the conviction is not what he ponders on, but instead he asks whether or not “it good enough to say that one should not value all the opinions that people hold” (47a). Here he states that the “value” of an opinion does not come from liking it but from respecting it. He values the opinion of the government because they represent the majority of the population and their view points. Socrates explains his view point by suggesting that “if he disobeys the one man and disregards his opinion and commendations” he may experience “some bad effect” (47b). The

Meaning, that the issues which faced humanity in its earlier years are still facing humanity now. Readers see this when Socrates argues how it is important to understand justness for he points out the flaws in having a large government and a government that interferes too much in a citizen’s daily life. Socrates claims that it is not right for “some of the opinions which people entertain should be taken seriously, and others not” (46e). To explain, large government only perceives the majority view and not the minority. Socrates is pointing to the fact that in his case he is the minority and the government has not taking his ideas seriously. Therefore, the majority believe that the government is “the single authority and with him the truth itself” (48a). He knows that the truth comes from the ruling which is one of the reasons why he is at peace with their decision. His being at peace teaches that truth should be what is considered to distinguish right from