While awaiting execution in his prison cell, Socrates is visited by his friend Crito, who has arranged a safe escape. Socrates refuses to flee, engaging Crito in a dialogue about the nature of justice and the citizen's obligation to the laws of the state. He argues that responding to injustice with further injustice is wrong, and that he must abide by the legal verdict of the city that raised him....
Plato - Crito
Crito
Plato
143
Description
While awaiting execution in his prison cell, Socrates is visited by his friend Crito, who has arranged a safe escape. Socrates refuses to flee, engaging Crito in a dialogue about the nature of justice and the citizen's obligation to the laws of the state. He argues that responding to injustice with further injustice is wrong, and that he must abide by the legal verdict of the city that raised him. It is a powerful examination of civil obedience and the social contract.