Crito

Interesting Facts

• The dialogue «Crito» is one of Plato's early works and features a conversation between Socrates and his friend Crito, which takes place in a prison where Socrates awaits execution.
• The main theme of the dialogue is the discussion of justice and civic duty. Crito offers Socrates a chance to escape from prison, but Socrates refuses, arguing that breaking the laws would be an unjust act.
• In the dialogue, Socrates asserts that it is important not just to live, but to live well, meaning in accordance with virtue and justice.
• The dialogue raises the question of whether one should obey unjust laws, and Socrates concludes that breaking the laws undermines the foundations of the state and society.
• Socrates uses the metaphor of a «social contract» in the dialogue, asserting that citizens are obliged to obey the laws because they have agreed to them by enjoying the benefits of society.