Crito by Plato (432)
The dialogue revolves around the impending execution of Socrates and his friend Crito's attempt to persuade him to escape from prison. Crito argues that it would be unjust for Socrates to allow himself to be executed, citing the fact that he has a duty to his family and friends to survive. He also claims that it is the duty of the state to protect its citizens. Socrates counters by arguing that he has a higher duty to obey the laws of Athens, even if they are unjust. He believes that if he were to escape, he would be acting against the principles of justice and morality. The dialogue explores the tension between individual freedom and the obligations we have to society. Socrates ultimately decides not to escape, believing that it is his duty to accept the sentence imposed upon him by the state.
By Plato · First published 432 · Genre: Philosophical Dialogue, Socratic Dialogue, Political Philosophy · 7,353 words
First lines
Persons of the dialogue: Socrates Crito
Scene: The Prison of Socrates.
What this Textopian page supports
Crito is listed on Textopian as an essay by Plato, dated 432 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: Plato
- Date: 432 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Philosophical Dialogue, Socratic Dialogue, Political Philosophy, Ethics, Drama
- Length: 7,353 words
- Structure: 1 section, 106 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Crito by Plato
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Crito?
- How does this essay by Plato fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Philosophical Dialogue first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Ion by Plato
- The Social Contract by Jean Jacques Rousseau
- Sophist by Plato
- Protagoras by Plato
- Just Government by Thiruvalluvar
- Laws by Plato
Genres
- Philosophical Dialogue — The work primarily explores ethical and moral questions through a dialogue between Socrates and Crito, focusing on justice, virtue, and the nature of the good life.
- Socratic Dialogue — It exemplifies the Socratic method, using questions and answers to stimulate critical thinking and illuminate ideas.
- Political Philosophy — The text discusses the relationship between the individual and the state, particularly the obligations of citizens to obey laws.
- Ethics — It delves into ethical considerations regarding justice, wrongdoing, and the moral implications of escaping from prison.
Tags
Philosophy · Drama · Socratic Dialogue · Ethics · Morality · Justice · Law · Citizenship · Punishment · Death Penalty · Friendship · Loyalty