Crito - Definition and Overview

The Crito is a well-known dialogue by the ancient Greek philosopher, Plato, between Socrates and his follower Crito, regarding the source and nature of political obligation. Set after Plato's Apology, in which Socrates was sentenced to death for charges of corrupting the young and for impiety, Crito tries in this dialogue to convince Socrates to escape his imprisonment and go into exile.

Crito's arguments for escape

1. The people of Athens will think Socrates' followers were miserly in not spending money to free Socrates.
2. Socrates has support in other cities, including Thebes and that exile would not be a bad option.
3. By not escaping when he has the chance, Socrates is betraying himself and helping his enemies.
4. Socrates' family will be deprived of a father and the education he would provide.

Socrates' responses

1. Public opinion is not important to the decision, because the public as a whole is not wise.
2. Betrayal to himself is not important to the decision; the essential concern is whether to escape would be just.
3. He is not giving in to enemies; by running away he would show fear of them.
4. Escaping would set a bad example for his children.

The laws' arguments

Later, Socrates presents four arguments from the personified Laws of Athens to show Crito that he should not escape:

1. We are your parents.
2. We are your rearers (They gave him an education)
3. Socrates agreed to obey us (This is an early statement of Social Contract Theory)
4. Socrates would be seen as a corrupting force wherever he went.