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Crito

By Plato

Set in Socrates' prison shortly before his execution, Plato's Crito examines whether an unjustly condemned person may escape the law. Crito urges his friend to flee for the sake of reputation, family and survival, but Socrates insists that the decision must be governed by justice rather than fear or public opinion. Through the personified Laws of Athens, the dialogue explores civic obligation, agreement, resistance to injustice and the demand to live consistently with one's principles.

Translator or editor
Benjamin Jowett
Publication
c. 399 BCE (dramatic date); composed c. 390s BCE
Genre
Socratic dialogue; ethics; political philosophy
Era
Ancient Philosophy

About this work

Crito is Plato's short but demanding dialogue about justice, law and moral consistency. It takes place after Socrates' conviction in the Apology, as his friend Crito enters the prison before dawn with a plan for escape. Crito appeals to friendship, public reputation, Socrates' responsibility to his children and the practical ease of fleeing Athens. Socrates redirects the discussion towards a single question: would escape be just? He argues that a good life is a just life and that wrongdoing cannot become acceptable merely because it answers an earlier wrong. The dialogue's central argument is delivered by the personified Laws of Athens. They claim that Socrates has received the benefits of Athenian citizenship, remained in the city when he was free to leave and thereby accepted obligations that he cannot discard when a judgement goes against him. He should persuade the city through lawful means or honour his agreement. The conclusion is not a simple endorsement of every government command. Socrates has resisted unjust orders elsewhere, and the verdict remains wrongful. The dialogue instead asks whether this particular act of escape would contradict the commitments through which he has lived and taught. By placing survival against integrity, Crito explores enduring questions about consent, civil disobedience, legal authority, friendship and the relationship between conscience and citizenship.

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