Plato's 'Crito'

Question 1

Socrates: Background Info

Answer 1

• Born around 470 BC
• He wrote no books, his student Plato wrote which is where we get all knowledge of Socrates
• Famous but not popular figure in Athens, questioning peoples philosophical views
• Sentenced to death as judged that his philosophy was too dangerous and that he was corrupting the youth teaching them there was no god

Question 2

Socrates: Knowledge of Nothing

Answer 2

• Famously declared he knew nothing, and his point that was nobody did
• Oracle claimed Socrates was cleverest man alive as only he understood that knew that he knew nothing
• Others like craftsman demonstrated more knowledge, but they acted nobly believing they were wisest

Question 3

Socrates: Obligation to Obey Laws

Answer 3

• Had many opportunities to avoid death penalty through common methods, bribing guards, the apology
  
  • These were generally ok to Athenian people as either way that had left Athens
• Do we have an obligation to obey the laws even when they are unjust?
• He would answer this as what matters is not that we live, but that we live well and this is to live justly
• “It’s not living that should be our first priority, but living well, meaning living finely and justly”

Question 4

Socrates: Arguments for Staying

Answer 4

• He only exists because of Athenian customs and laws, e.g. his parents marriage, his citizenship from that
• Athens provided his education, upbringing, social life etc., allowing him to have a good life, this means Athens is an authoritative position, such as master or father, to him
• If people disobey laws in their interests then would lead to destruction of state
• He like all adults was free to leave Athens, if unhappy with laws could have left
• Plato could see that the first two arguments were poor, but included them as he, like Socrates, saw philosophy as a never ending enquiry, he’s not trying to convince us of anything, set up a philosophical ideal to try to live up to

Question 5

Socrates: Opinions and the Apology

Answer 5

• Should only care the opinion of the best people, those who will believe you
• I am not hiding anything from you, yet I know I will get hatred for this, demonstrating I speak the truth
• No one but the gods know what happens after death, foolish to fear the unknown
• Must live according to reason, not emotion or popular pressure
• Idea that he could be freed if he gave up his philosophy, refused as to him doing that is to disobey an authority higher than the laws