Why It Matters Today
Crito explores the importance of justice, morality, and personal integrity in decision-making, themes that remain relevant amid current debates about law, ethics, and social justice.
Modern Connections
Big Ideas
Justice and Doing What is Right
Always do what's right, even if it costs you, because justice is more important than personal gain.
The Role of Law and Morality
Laws are important, but they should align with our sense of what is morally correct.
What You'll Learn
- How Socrates argues that it would be wrong to escape prison even if it meant avoiding execution.
- The concept that one must prioritize justice and morality over personal advantage.
Reader Fit
✅ Good For
- Students of philosophy
- People interested in ethics and morality
- Readers who enjoy classical texts and dialogues
⚠ Not Ideal For
- Readers seeking light or purely entertainment-focused content
- Individuals uninterested in philosophical debate
Controversies & Critiques
- Some argue Socrates overemphasizes moral integrity at the expense of practicality.
- Modern critics might contest Socrates' implicit assumption that moral principles override legal obligations.
Reading Context
Before Reading
- Familiarity with Plato's other dialogues, especially 'The Republic' and 'Euthyphro'
- Basic understanding of ancient Greek society and legal systems
After Reading
- Study of other philosophical works on justice and law
- Exploration of modern legal philosophy and civil disobedience
Similar Books
Appeals to fans of: Philosophical discussions like those in Kant or Kantian ethics, Contemporary debates on morality in politics
Classification Details
Author
Plato
Published
-399
Language
English
Subjects
Classical literature, Philosophy, Ancient, Justice -- Early works to 1800, Dialogues, Greek -- Translations into English
Curated Collections
This book appears in these curated collections:
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