This report will discuss the major elements in Socrates' argument, regarding the injury and injustice he would cause by escaping from prison prior to his execution. Further discussion will be centered around Socrates' ability to maintain this ideology despite his belief that the imposition of the sentence upon him, was in itself, unjust.

Crito, a longtime devoted friend and believer of Socrates' ethical teachings presents a compelling argument to escape. Although the arguments of Crito have merit, they have not convinced Socrates that he should escape from prison. An escape would certainly denounce the laws of the state, which Socrates has always declared to uphold.

Escaping from prison would be a violation of the law of the land and would clearly imply that Socrates

Socrates and Crito are both in unanimity that the sentence was in fact unjust. Therefore, Crito's opinion is that it would not be wrong for Socrates to escape because he has been imprisoned unjustly. However, Socrates does not agree with Crito's thoughts, maintaining his view of the necessity of fulfilling the terms of the sentence. Socrates believes that when the state's interest conflicts with that of an individual, the individual should not object to the state's imposition of power upon him, even though that which is being imposed may be unjust. Socrates bases his argument on the fact that he is a citizen of the state. Socrates was born, nourished and educated within its boundaries and as a result has a committed obligation toward it.

Socrates can depart from this life with a pure conscience, knowing that it is better to die with honor under the limitations the law has set, then to live in shame. Further, to die under these circumstances will provide him with a good defense when he stands before the tribunal of the judgement of the dead. He will stand before them as a martyr to the injustice of not the law, but those who have abused the law in order to bring about his demise.

is an enemy to that which makes for an orderly society. To ensure that the orderly society remains civilized, a citizen has a moral responsibility to accept the penalty of law; thus,

Some common words found in the essay are:
Socrates Crito, Crito Philosophy, Hence Socrates, socrates escape, socrates escape prison, orderly society, unjust socrates, sentence unjust, socrates' argument, escape prison, escaping prison,
Approximate Word count = 930
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)