Philosophy Summary: Crito by Plato

Originally published at: Libertarian Commentaries

Introduction

Though Plato did not use the phrase "social contract" the theory he put forward in Crito fits the popular perception of it perfectly and is among the oldest texts on it. Like most of his writings it is written as a conversation between his mentor Socrates and someone who if not proven wrong, is at least silenced.

This dialogue is unlikely to convince radical libertarians to accept social contract theory but as will be shown in the upcoming analysis post it raises a number of issues that should be carefully considered.

To read the full text please visit www.classicallibrary.org/plato/dialogues/13_crito.htm.

It starts with Socrates sleeping in prison after voted to die for the contradictory crimes of teaching his students to worship new gods and to be atheists (See Apology by Plato).
He is awoken by his friend Crito who has bribed the guard and arranged for Socrates to be protected in the city of Thessaly.
Socrates however refuses to escape saying it would be unjust.
Crito pleads that his reputation will be ruined if he does not rescue Socrates.
Socrates reminds Crito that the opinions of "the masses" do not matter. Only those of the wise few.
Crito points out that "the masses can do the greatest evil", meaning murder.
Socrates explains that they can not give or take wisdom which to him is all that matters.
Crito gives a lecture about how Socrates is a coward, hypocrite and a negligent father.
Socrates compliments Crito on his enthusiasm but cautions him to only apply it with reason.
He then claims to be sticking to the same principles he always has since youth.
He asks if only good people are to be paid attention? If the opinions of the unwise are harmful? If an athlete should only pay attention to his coach instead of everyone he meets?
Crito agrees to all of these.
Finally Socrates explains life is only worthwhile if lived well, then listening to bad advice is at least as bad as dying.
Again Crito agrees.
Socrates promises to escape if he can be convinced it would be a good thing to do.
Socrates now asks if we are to ever do what is evil? Even in retaliation?
Crito agrees that we must never do evil.
Socrates asks if escaping would count as doing what is evil to the city of Athens?
Crito does not know.
Socrates says that the whole system of law would collapse if rejecting judgements became common.
He then explains that his parents would not have been married if it were not for the government, he received his entire education from it and goes as far as to say it is greater than his parents.
Further Socrates talks about how he loved Athens most, agreed to accept his verdict and asked for a death sentence instead of exile.
He then explains that the people of different cities respect law to varying degrees. People who take it seriously would not welcome an escapee while the Thessalonians have a love of criminals and are not worth living amongst.
He says that whether or not he raises them himself his children would be better of as Athenian citizens
Finally Socrates explains that he wants to be on good terms with the rulers of the after-life.