preview

Socrates Obligations In Plato's Crito

Decent Essays
Open Document

In Plato’s Crito, Crito tries to persuade Socrates to accept his friend’s assistance in escaping Athens in order to evade death sentence. Socrates insists that it is obligations as a citizen of Athens to accept the sentence of its court. Socrates personal issues and philosophical views assist him in making the right decision. First of all Socrates was least concern about public opinion, several of fellow friends would have been exile too and it would be defying the law if they help Socrates. Socrates got a death sentence in Athens because he tamper with the youth and did not believe in the Gods. As a caring friend Crito comes to him while he is waiting his punishment. Crito tries to persuade to escape to another country, Socrates does not want to do …show more content…

It was unusual to go against the government because there was allegiance to Athens. In order for people to live in Athens they have to obey by the rules and they weren’t alright with they have freedom to leave. People agreed to the laws and aware of the responsibility for breaking them. Socrates while speaking for the laws of Athens stated “Or will you avoid cities that are well governed and men who are civilized? If you do this, will your life be worth living? Will you have social intercourse with them and not be ashamed to talk to them? (56)” Those were alternatives Socrates were saying if he runs away from facing punishment. The consequences would be him living with guilt when he tries to socialize with other people and leaving the place where he lived most of life and raise his kids. Leaving would make him a laughingstock. Socrates Athenians who would usual disagrees with the government have to be obliged to or convince them to do as they are told. When Socrates were philosophizing he didn’t convince the government to continue so now by not saying anything he is going to be put to

Get Access