Crito

"Crito" is a philosophical dialogue between Socrates and his friend Crito, taking place in Socrates' prison cell in Athens. Socrates has been sentenced to death for allegedly corrupting the youth of Athens and impiety, and the dialogue takes place in the hours leading up to his execution. Crito has come to persuade Socrates to escape from prison and flee Athens, but Socrates refuses, arguing that he must obey the laws of Athens, even if they are unjust. Socrates believes that he has a moral obligation to obey the laws, since he has lived in Athens and benefited from its laws for his entire life. He also believes that it would be unjust to break the social contract that he has entered into with the state. Read in English, unabridged.