Kyo 's Key Ideas from Crito
by Plato

Crito argues that it is feasible: Crito and other friends have the money needed to bribe jailers and arrange for escape, and Crito has friends in another city state where Socrates can go.

Socrates replied: Just because something can be done does not mean that it should be done. We need to investigate and look for reasons. Only if there is sufficient reason/a good argument for escaping should it be done.

Crito is still trying his best to convince Socrates to escape.

Crito argues that they will be look bad by the public: The masses will look down on the friends of Socrates and think that they were not willing to put up money in order to save the life of their friend.

Socrates replied Public Opinion is totally irrelevant. Then show crito why it is irrelevant:

Socrates: do you agree that we should only pay attention to good opinions and bad opinions are likely to bring harm.

Crito: Yes.

Socrates: do you agree that it is generally not the masses who have expert opinions but only the few.

Crito: Yes.

Socrates: So in this case we should only follow the opinion of those who are experts on or at least have thought sufficiently and logically about the issue, as the public is unlikely to have done.

Crito didn't stop to convince Socrates and states that it is Unjust Not to Escape for two reason:

1. It will involve abandoning your children.

2. It is playing into the enemy’s hand—doing exactly what the unjust opposition wants.

Socrates replied to each statement and argues that it is Unjust to Escape. One argument for "abandoning your child" and two argument for "playing into the enemy's hand."

1. Socrates argues that it will make no harm to children: Even if I escape, children will be no better off than if I am put to death. For either they will be forced into exile with me or they will be left behind without me. In either case, they are no better off than if I am put to death. And anyway, my friends will take care of their well being.

Argument from Paternalism

Argument from Social Contract

Premise 1: The State has been like a parent to me—taking care of my safety, needs, and education.

Premise 2: We owe our parents our obedience.

Conclusion 1: So I owe the State my obedience.

Premise 3: It would be unjust to disregard what I owe.

Conclusion 2: So it would be unjust to disobey the State by escaping.

Premise 1: I entered freely into an agreement with the State, I would obey the laws if it took care of me. I could have left any time I wanted but I chose to stay.

Premise 2: To disobey the State now and escape would be to break that contract.

Premise 3: It is unjust to break a contract.

Conclusion: So it would be unjust of me to escape.

In the end Socrates chooses to abide by the laws of Athens and refuses to escape. Crito does not succeed in convincing Socrates and remain speechless.