In the "Crito" Socrates states, "Why should we care so much for what the majority think?" (Plato 45) Socrates believes that we should not care what the majority thinks because those who are reasonable people will understand. However, Crito's counter-argument to this is that the majority can cause great harm; therefore we should care what they think. Socrates further goes on to say the majority acts haphazardly; therefore, they cannot do great good or great harm (Plato 45). Crito says that "the opinion of the many" would judge us wrong if we didn't help you (and anyone in your position would agree that you ought to escape). Socrates notes that some opinion is right and some opinion is wrong. It is not simply a matter of mere opinion, but of correct opinion. The authority in this c

An example in which the belief of the majority versus the reasonable people was posed amidst the 1950s. As communism was a great threat for the United States during this time period, with much turmoil abound and the uneasiness regarding the Domino Theory the U.S. feared the worst for South Vietnam. Under the strong anti-Communist government of Ngo Dinh Diem the U.S put its diplomatic and massive economic aid behind them. Soon thereafter, clashes arose and the U.S was faced with the dilemma of sending troops in to South Vietnam or letting the South Vietnamese fend for themselves. There was much animosity in the U.S at this time especially amongst the young eighteen-year-olds that were eligible for the draft. In colleges all over the country students protested adamantly against the U.S. intervention in South Vietnam. However, the President Johnson feared that North Vietnam would eventually take over and decided to intervene regardless of public opposition (Encyclopedia Britannica 44).

In addition to Socrates' position on the devotion and faith he has given to the state of Athens Socrates' also has a position regarding the role of the majority in his decision not to escape. Socrates believes that "fate has come about me...I shall not agree with you, not even if the power of the majority were to frighten us with more bogeys, as if we were children, with threats of incarcerations and executions and confiscation of property....Crito, whether this argument will appear any different in any way different to me in my present circumstances, or whether it remains the same, whether we are to abandon it or believe it" (Plato 46-47). In this case Socrates is saying that regardless of what the situation may be he is standing forthright in his decision to face his death. Socrates is trying to explain to Crito that even if he is trying to bully him into exile it will not work. Crito says that Socrates is making a cowardly move by facing death, whereas Socrates believes that he is the one who will end up the stronger man in the end. I think the point Socrates is trying to get across is that regardles

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Approximate Word count = 1423
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)