Socrates and Plato's Crito Dialogue

Flashcards covering Plato's dialogue Crito, details of Socrates' life, trial, charges, execution, arguments on escaping prison, and the introduction of the social contract.

Who wrote the dialogue describing the final discussion between Socrates and Crito on the day of Socrates' execution?

Plato wrote the dialogue as an account of what Socrates and Crito discussed on the day Socrates was executed.

What is the literal meaning of the word "philosophia" based on its Greek roots?

"Philo" means love and "Sophia" means wisdom, making "philosophia" the love of wisdom.

Why was Socrates known as the "gadfly of Athens"?

A gadfly is a horsefly that bites horses on the rump; Socrates earned this title because he constantly questioned citizens to show that supposed experts did not actually know what they claimed, making himself a major nuisance to many in the city state.

What physical feature of the cave system at Delphi explains why the Oracles experienced visions?

The cave system emitted several noxious gases, causing the Oracles to breathe in fumes that made them high or stoned.

Why did Socrates determine that he was indeed the wisest person in Athens after the Oracle at Delphi said he was?

Because he was the only person willing to admit that he knew nothing, whereas everyone else claimed to possess knowledge they actually lacked.

What were the two formal charges brought against Socrates?

He was charged with corrupting the youth and worshiping deities that the city state did not worship (impiety).

What punishment did Socrates propose for himself during his trial before the Athenian senate?

He proposed that the city hold a citywide party in his honor because he had awakened the citizens from their slumber.

What primary reasons did Crito present to Socrates to argue that he should escape from prison?

Crito argued that guards were bribed, a boat was waiting, Crito would miss him and look like a bad friend, Socrates' children would be orphaned, and Socrates would no longer be able to teach his followers.

How do Crito's arguments contrast with Socrates' arguments regarding escape?

Crito's arguments are primarily emotional, whereas Socrates offers a rational argument based on justice, moral consistency, and avoiding hypocrisy.

How long had Socrates lived in Athens without complaining about its laws?

He had lived in Athens for $70\,\text{years}$.

What key political philosophy concept does Socrates introduce during his imagined exchange with the laws of Athens?

The social contract, which establishes that by living in a place and receiving the benefits of citizenship, one is obligated to obey its laws.

According to the transcript, how did Socrates' view of Athenian laws differ from Martin Luther King's view of laws?

Socrates believed the laws of Athens were fine and that only the people enforcing them were wrong, whereas Martin Luther King believed that the laws themselves were problematic.

How did Socrates react when his friends advised him to sit or lay down after drinking the hemlock?

He rejected their advice, saying it was crazy to delay the poison when he was already dying and wanted it to move as expected.