Socrates method / the crito

Overview 

• Socrates execution is postponed until after the return of the ship of Theseus and Crito comes to Socrates to try to make him escape 

• Which is 14 youths and the ship is sent annually to honour the gods 

• Socrates had 14 individuals in attendance at his execution 

• Socrates likened to theseus 

• Crito doesn't use the soul 

Crito's arguments 

• Socrates death will deprive crito of a friend 

• It will damage his reputation since people think he values money more than friendship 

• The price of escape is affordable 

• Crito has friends that will welcome socrates 

• It would be unjust for Socrates to remain and would allow his enemies to triumph over him 

Socrates argument 

• We should pay attention to and value only the opinions of experts not the majority 

• He uses an analogy with physical training and bodily health

• Socrates believes he shouldn't escape since it would be a way of retaliating and retaliation is wrong 

The laws argument 

• Makes 2 arguments: 

• Relies on an analogy between the state and various authorities including ones parents 

  • Laws bring us to birth, nature us, educate us, etc 

  • And are therefore like our parents, teachers, etc

  • There's inequality in these relationships as it would be wrong for a person in a subordinate position to retaliate against a person in a superior position 

  • Therefore it would be wrong for Socrates to retaliate against the laws 

• Relies on an early version of social contract theory 

  •  Since citizens are free to leave the state and Socrates decided to stay he must follow the laws in the city 

  • He broke the laws and now has to deal with the punishment of the laws he broke 

  • Therefore, Socrates must obey the laws by awaiting his execution