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Res Publica - Journal of Undergraduate Research

Abstract

As Socrates sits awaiting his death, he argues with Crito about the cons of escaping this punishment. Socrates argues that escaping without the consent of Athens would be trying to have two wrongs equal a right, which he explains to Crito only puts Athens in greater danger, even though Socrates admits that this ruling is unjust because it is the popular majority that wishes to see him put to death. “What we ought to worry about is not so much what people in general will say about us but what the expert in justice and injustice says, the single authority ad with him the truth itself” (Plato 1993). Socrates is incorrect in his assessment that one must obey every law, because even in democracies, there is still potential for groups to oppress minorities. In addition, there are duties that humans owe themselves, and they must act on virtue because it is not “life, but a good life that is worth living” (Plato 1993).

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