Crito

CRITO

Crito, as reported by Plato, is an account by where Crito is attempting to influence Socrates that it is just to escape from prison to avoid certain death by execution. Socrates' argument directly relates to the laws of the state and the role of the individual within it. The "Crito" exhibits the character of Socrates as a good citizen, who being unjustly condemned is willing to give up his life in obedience to the laws of the State.

This report will discuss the major elements in Socrates' argument, regarding the injury and injustice he would cause by escaping from prison prior to his execution. Further discussion will be centered around Socrates' ability to maintain this ideology despite his belief that the imposition of the sentence upon him was in itself unjust.

Crito, a longtime devoted friend and believer of Socrates' ethical teachings present a compelling argument to escape. Although the arguments of Crito have merit, they have not convinced Socrates that he should escape from prison. An escape would certainly bring upon injury to the foundation of the laws of the State, which Socrates has always declared to uphold as well as upon himself, friends and family members.

Escaping from prison would be a violation of the law of the land and would clearly imply that Socrates is an enemy to that which makes for an orderly society. To ensure

that the orderly society remains civilized, a citizen has a moral responsibility to a...