Plato's "Crito"

This is a paper I have been working on for a couple of weeks for a class project.  Any/all suggestions and arguments are welcome.  The question is should Socrates attempt escape from Athens, based on his moral theory of living well.  Ideas presented are based on the reading, class discussions and personal interpretation.  In light of some recent postings here regarding taking responsibiliy for one's actions, I thought this might bring to light an "ancient" idea of an honorable man.  My short interpretation is, "If I accept citizenship, I agree to know and understand the laws.  If I find an unjust law, through logical reasoning, and break that law, it is my honorable duty accept the consequences of my actions."

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In Plato's "Crito", Socrates is presented with a choice of attempting escape from execution.  Socrates and Crito debate the option, based on Socrates' assessment of living well, defined as being honorable and just.

Socrates had used reasoning through logic to dictate his actions during his life, and uses the same in making this decision.  After examination, the fundamental reason for not escaping was mandated by his sense of moral consciousness, as escaping would be an injustice to the honor and justice he revered.

The deliberation begins with whom his escape would affect.  Although the population of Athens can put him to death, it is the opnion of those (or, as stated in the the text, the "one") who understand the essence of justice he would wish to appeal.  It is Socrates' opinion that escaping would not only disgrace him with the "one" who understood justice, but also negate the values by which he had lived.

Socrates lived in Athens for 70 years and accepted Athenian law through accepting his citizenship.  He had the opportunity of leaving had he wished.  He understood the laws and knew when he went to trial it was his task to persuade the population of his innocence, or accept the consequences.  He presented his argument during the trial based upon being honorable.  Although it may have seemed unjust by some that he be sentenced to death, by going to trial instead of leaving, he made an agreement to accept the ruling of the state.

He also agreed he could have suggested exile as opposed to death for his sentencing.  Of note, in the previous reading of "Apology," Socrates declared, "it is his duty to remain and face the danger without thinking of death or of anything except dishonor."  He also stated, "there is no man who could make me consent to do wrong from fear of death."  He further states that even if he were aquitted, he would continue his pursuits of philosophy.  Based on this premise, to attempt escape simply because of that fear would be breaking an honorable contract with Athens and her laws.

Socrates believes not living within the law would be to abandon all principles.  If he should now break the law, there would be doubt cast upon his innocence, i.e, as stated in "Crito," "a man who is a subverter of law may well be supposed to be a corrupter of the young and thoughtless." 

To attempt escape would be to proclaim his disrespect for Athens, denouncing his recognition of Athenian law by not honoring his contract of accepting citizenship.  And foremost, by leaving he would show contempt for his own ideals.....living well through the means of living as an "honorable and just man."