The Crito

1. Compare the setting of Plato's Apology to the setting of the Crito. Where does each dialogue take place, how many people are present, and what is the significance of these dramatic details?
2. Some readers think Socrates went along with his execution because he was already old. Would things have been different if he were younger?
3. What made Socrates so attached to Athens, but even more devoted to his way of life that he was willing to die rather than give it up? Is Socrates a martyr either for the Laws of Athens or the cause of philosophy?
4. Crito claims that by suffering an unjust punishment Socrates will play into the hands of his accusers. Why does Socrates counter that his escape would corroborate the jury’s verdict to convict him?
5. Why does Socrates tell Crito that "whatever he suffers from others", one would still not be justified to escape the punishment of the laws and the community of the city Does Socrates' argument that it is wrong to harm even those who do one harm make sense

1. In Plato's Apology the setting was in the court room where many Athens (Athiens) were present. In the Critio, the setting took place in Socrates prison where only him and Crito were present. This is a dramatic detail because both Crito and the Athiens want to look good to the people so they try and convince Socrates the "right" decision to choose. Crito is Socrates friend, who is trying to get Socrates out of this mess, telling him he doesn't deserve the punishment he has recieved. He is trying to get Socrates to see that this is wrong, and by accepting the punishment and not doing anything about it (protesting) is not right. While Athiens convince Socrates he is the bad person corrupting the youth and it's all because of him that people are bad.

2. I don't believe that Socrates went along with his execution becase he was old. He went along with his execution because he was not going to change his opinion, his beliefs and his way of life just because other people didn't accept it or like it. Socrates stood his ground and I think he would have done the same thing if it was 50 years earlier.

3. In the beginning of the Crito, Socrates explains to Crito that even though he may have a good idea in his escape, it is not right. On page 44 Socrates says, "For I am and always have been one of those natures who must be guided by reason, whatever the reason may be which upon reflection appears to me to be the best; and now that this fortune has come upon me, I cannot put away the reasons which I have been given: the principles which I have hitherto honored and revered I still honor, and unless we can find other and better principles on the instant, I am certain not to agree with you..." This passage shows that the Athens made him value his life and his beliefs by tricking him to make them look good by killing him.

4. Now that Socrates is getting another point of view of his punishment, he knows that he has been tricked into an unfair death. However, if he asks for another trial and tries to stand up for himself, he will be going against his philosophy.

5. Socrates tells Crito this because he knows that the city is more powerful than anything and he wouldn't stand a chance trying to change their mind. I believe that he does make sense to the point of view on doing harm to those who do harm to you is not right. He explains to Crito he can't do anything about his punishment even though it isn't right, because that's not about his philosophy.