Blog #11: "Crito vs. Socrates"

To be plain and simple, I agree with Socrates. While Crito started with a few good arguments, Socrates answered them with many more, and to a greater extent. When looking at the dialogue, it's clear that Socrates had much more to say, as he had probably one hundred words to Crito's one. Also, when Socrates convinced Crito that he should remain in his cell, awaiting his death sentence, he also convinces the reader. Crito wanted to break out Socrates because he wanted Socrates to think that his friends and followers actually cared about him, and that it would make the public's view of them bad if they did nothing to try to save him. Socrates answered with the “Don't care what others think of you” response, but took it one step further to say that the only opinions worth anything are those from officials, because they have the power to change things. Everyone else will merely hold you back from your true potential.

Finally, Socrates stated that if it was just and “legal” for him to escape, he would follow Crito, but because it was not, he was bound by the Laws of Athens. These were the foundations of their society, and breaking one of the laws, would be the same as breaking all of the laws, which Socrates couldn't do because he would be exiled from the society.

The amount and certainly the depth of Socrates' arguments forces me to choose his point of view over that of Crito's. I'm not saying that Crito didn't try, he just wasn't a fair match for Socrates.

The Law and Justice packet relates closely to this situation. On one hand, the law, or the death sentence that Socrates has received, is the concrete ruling. It is uniform for all people, and is generally formed in the best interest of the citizens as a whole. On the other hand is justice. Even though it seems unfair, Socrates would be breaking his personal morals, and for him, this would be unjust. However, to us, it seems as though justice would prevent Socrates' death, because when fire is fought with more fire, the only thing that happens is a bigger fire that soon spirals out of control.