The Patriotism of Socrates in "Crito"

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that the apparent inconsistencies in the willingness of Socrates to disobey the government of Athens and its laws are merely the result of his love for Athens and distrust of the common people (hoi polloi) as rulers of the city. It shows that, to Socrates, the people of Athens collectively formed a force destructive to the ethical and philosophical ideals to which he adhered. These adherents to the tradition of concessive belief, according to Socrates, were of no use to themselves or to the city because they failed to make any significant contributions and merely provided one additional voice in the chorus that was Athenian democracy.

From the Paper:

"Socrates maintains a consistent loyalty to Athens and its laws throughout his trial in the Apology and his discussion with a student in Crito. Both works portray Socrates as a patriotic individual who regarded his city and its population as separate entities and who intended wholeheartedly to improve the former while preventing ruin at the hands of the latter."

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