Source edition
Platonis Opera, Tomus I: Tetralogia I-II. Burnet, John, 1863-1928, editor. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1905.
Source data
Perseus Digital Library · CC BY-SA (per Perseus's terms)
Cloned and adapted by Humanitext, with ongoing edits.
Summary
This dialogue depicts the conversation between the philosopher Socrates, who has been sentenced to death, and his lifelong friend Crito, who visits him in prison on the eve of his execution to urge him to escape. Crito strongly argues for escape, citing public reputation, financial means, and duties to his children. However, Socrates responds that one must not value the opinion of the many, but rather follow logos (reason) and the wisdom of the one who understands justice. He establishes the fundamental principle that one must never commit an injustice, even in response to an injustice received. To test whether escape is just, Socrates introduces the personified Laws of Athens, which argue that by remaining in the city his entire life, he has entered into an implicit agreement to obey them. Ultimately, concluding that escaping would destroy the laws and harm his soul, Socrates refuses to flee and resolutely accepts his death in accordance with divine guidance.