Intro to Philosophy: Plato's Crito

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Reading Notes

Reading philosophical essays is more challenging in that you often have to scan once, read once, and review once before you can adequately explain the author's position. In order to be sure that you are receiving maximum benefit from your time spent studying, try to answer the guide questions posed below. If you cannot answer them, it is time to read or review to be sure you understand the main arguments presented. See more tips here.

Plato:Crito

Plato's Crito is an examination of the social contract and the strength of our commitment to stand up for what we believe in. Socrates' has a choice: escape from Athens with his wife and children or stay and face execution.  Crito argues that Socrates ought to escape for the the following reasons: 1) his friends will be thought cowards and cheapskates if they do not rescue him, 2) he is helping his enemies by allowing the execution, and 3) for sake of his children so they won't suffer the fate of orphans. 

 Socrates agrees to examine Crito's argument on the condition that they will only consider those items deemed worthy of consideration. At the beginning of the dialogue it seems clear that Socrates will not change his mind, but the dialogue revolves around the examination of the questions at hand rather than the end result. 

1. Resources
2. Guide Questions
3. Smartboard Notes

Here are some web sites that will enhance your understanding of this week's reading:

Plato's Crito:

• To get a handle on the Crito check out Dr. Lesher's summary of Socrates' inconsistent attitude towards the law in the Apology and the Crito.
• Dr. Jan Garrett also has a page devoted to summarizing the major arguments from the Crito. Did Socrates deserve death? This page entitled, "Socrates Had It Coming" argues just that.

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Guide Questions:

The following questions are designed to fine tune your understanding of the reading. The subject matter and answers to these questions form the basis of what you will be required to know for exams.

Objectives for this week: To continue our adventure in learning about the roots of Western philosophy by grappling with the complex relationship between the individual and the state in Plato's Crito. After reading the Crito, reviewing the resources and attempting the guide questions below, you should be able to:

1. Explain Crito's argument concerning the need for Socrates to escape
2. discuss Socrates' argument for nonviolence
3. provide a cogent summary of the ways in which Socrates refutes Crito's analysis
4. explain consistencies/inconsistencies between Socrates' position in the Apology and Crito
5. describe the social contract and its relevance to contemporary society

Crito

Guide Questions:

The following questions are designed to fine tune your understanding of the reading. I will check to see if you've completed them; the subject matter and answers to these questions form the basis of what you will be required to know for exams.

• Crito argues in the affirmative that "yes" it is important to value public opinion.(44d)Socrates affirms his commitment to finding the best argument and not the one that is easiest to accept.(46c)
• Reconstruct Socrates' argument in 46d-48b to show that public opinion is not necessarily the best sort of opinion about any given subject.

• Socrates begins to examine whether or not he should take revenge on his enemies by escaping.What is Socrates' argument against the moral theory commonly referred to as an "eye for an eye?" I argue that the argument against revenge would also serve as an argument for nonviolence even in the face of great injustice. Do you agree to disagree? If you disagree state why the above leap is not valid?

• The following imaginary discussion between Socrates' and the laws is inserted to explore the relationship between the individual and the state. In the next few paragraphs Socrates argues that we have a commitment to uphold the law even if we disagree. The binding force of the contract is continued residence in the city where the laws are enforced. If one does not try to persuade or change the laws, then one is considered to be in agreement with them. Describe what the state provides for the individual.When does Socrates  consciously choose death?Why would Socrates' existence after escape from execution be a contradiction for the Socratic view of the good life? (53b-d)What about Socrates' children? Who has the obligation to look after them after his death?
• How will the quality of Socrates' life influence his afterlife experiences?

Smartboard Notes from Week 4 Lectures:

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