Argumentative Essay On Crito

The essay “Crito” is a dialog between Socrates and Crito’s, who is trying to convince Socrates to escape from prison and his ultimate death. Both parties give good reasons on their positions, but it ultimately is Socrates’s decision. The Conversation begins with Socrates questioning Crito, why he is there so early, which he replied that he comes to the prison often and knows the “prison-warder” (43a). He continues to tell Socrates that he could not sleep because his friend is about to be executed. Socrates has not yet drunk the hemlock for there is no execution allowed while Athens celebrates their “annual sea-mission” called the monitor celebration (43c). During their conversation, Socrates tells Crito about a dream he had of a woman that
The question that Socrates is asking Crito is, “what is the rule of the law?” But Crito, does not accept this outcome, as what friend would. The conversation goes back and forth about the consequences of Socrates escaping his death. Part of the problem is that Socrates has pitted himself into this method of punishment because during the closing arguments of his trial he only gave one option as a punishment (Apology 37a-38c). With the conversation not really going anywhere because it seems that Socrates is comfortable with his situation. He informs his friend that, “it is in my nature, not just now for the first time but always, to follow nothing within me but the principle (Logos) which appears to me, upon reflection, to be best” (46b). For Crito, it must be like arguing with a wall, as Socrates although he appreciates his friends help, is set on drinking the hemlock. Socrates and Crito, agree that they should just speak about whether it is just or unjust to escape his predicament, and what would other people think (46c). To Socrates his reputation is on the line, and it is more important than