Plato, Crito | Crito's Arguments with Socrates | Philosophy Core Concepts

Summary

In this educational video, Dr. Gregory Sadler explores the arguments presented by Cedo in Plato's dialogue 'Crito,' where Cedo urges Socrates to escape his impending execution. Cedo's multifaceted case includes personal loss, public perception, moral obligation, and the well-being of Socrates' children. Dr. Sadler dissects these arguments, highlighting the philosophical complexities and Socrates' potential rebuttals, inviting viewers to ponder the intersection of ethics, law, and personal integrity.

Takeaways

• 🎓 Dr. Gregory Sadler is a professor of philosophy and founder of reason iio, an educational consulting company.
• 📚 He has been studying and teaching philosophy for over 20 years and aims to help people understand classic philosophical texts.
• 🎥 The video is part of a series where Dr. Sadler discusses core concepts from important philosophical texts in short videos.
• 📖 The dialogue 'The Credo' by Plato is discussed, focusing on arguments made by the character Credo regarding Socrates' impending execution.
• 🛑 Credo argues that Socrates should flee Athens after being sentenced to death, as the trial was unfair.
• 🤝 Credo's first argument is personal, stating that Socrates' death would be a great loss to him as a unique and irreplaceable friend.
• 🗣️ A secondary argument is about public perception, suggesting that people will think poorly of Credo and his friends if they don't help Socrates escape.
• 🚪 Credo also argues from a standpoint of expediency, claiming that the escape plan is ready and that no one will be harmed by Socrates' escape.
• 🔞 He raises moral concerns, suggesting that it is wrong for Socrates to allow himself to be executed, thus playing into his enemies' hands.
• 👨‍👦 Credo points out the responsibility Socrates has towards his children, arguing that his execution would leave them without a father and at a disadvantage.
• 🏋️‍♂️ Lastly, Credo challenges Socrates' values, implying that fleeing is an act of bravery and that staying to be executed is cowardice.

Q & A

Who is Dr. Gregory Sadler?

Dr. Gregory Sadler is a professor of philosophy, president, and founder of an educational consulting company called Reason IO, which aims to put philosophy into practice.

What is the main focus of Dr. Sadler's educational content?

Dr. Sadler's educational content focuses on helping students and lifelong learners understand and engage with classic philosophical texts, particularly by breaking down complex concepts into more digestible formats.

What is the context of the dialogue in which Cedo is a character?

The dialogue is from Plato's work named 'Crito' after the main interlocutor. It takes place after Socrates' trial, where he has been sentenced to death, and explores the arguments for and against his escape.

Why does Cedo argue that Socrates should escape from Athens?

Cedo argues that Socrates should escape because he has been unfairly sentenced to death, and Cedo, as a friend and student, does not want to lose him. He also believes it is morally wrong for Socrates to allow himself to be executed.

What are the main arguments Cedo presents to convince Socrates to escape?

Cedo presents several arguments: the personal loss he would experience, the potential negative public perception of his and other friends' characters, the readiness of the escape plan, and the moral obligation to flee to protect his children and act bravely.

How does Cedo's argument about personal loss reflect his view of Socrates?

Cedo's argument about personal loss indicates that he values Socrates not for material reasons but for his integrity, reflectiveness, and teaching abilities, considering him irreplaceable and unique.

What is the significance of Cedo's mention of public perception in his arguments?

Cedo's mention of public perception highlights the social and reputational consequences of their actions. He is concerned that people will view him and his friends as cowards if they do not help Socrates escape.

How does Cedo's argument about the escape plan being ready relate to the concept of expediency?

Cedo's argument that the escape plan is ready relates to the concept of expediency by suggesting that the practicalities and immediate opportunity to act should outweigh other considerations, such as the moral or legal implications of fleeing.

What is the moral argument Cedo makes regarding Socrates' potential execution?

Cedo argues that it is morally wrong for Socrates to stay and be executed because it would be colluding with his enemies' intentions to silence him, and it would be neglecting his duty as a father to protect his children.

How does Cedo's argument about bravery challenge Socrates' philosophical stance?

Cedo challenges Socrates' stance by suggesting that allowing himself to be executed would be an act of cowardice, contrary to Socrates' teachings about the importance of bravery and moral action.

What is the underlying theme in Cedo's arguments regarding the importance of public image?

The underlying theme in Cedo's arguments is the tension between personal integrity and the societal pressure to conform to public expectations and maintain a positive image, even when it conflicts with one's moral beliefs.

Outlines

00:00

🎓 Introduction to Dr. Gregory Sadler's Philosophy Series

Dr. Gregory Sadler, a professor of philosophy and founder of Reason IIO, introduces a new series of short videos aimed at explaining core concepts from significant philosophical texts in an accessible manner. With over 20 years of experience in teaching philosophy, Dr. Sadler addresses the common difficulties people face when reading classical philosophical works, such as complex language or structure. He has been producing longer lecture videos on YouTube and now shifts to a format that focuses on one core concept per video. The series begins with an exploration of Plato's dialogue 'The Credo,' where the character Credo argues for Socrates to escape from prison despite his impending execution. Dr. Sadler outlines Credo's main arguments, which include the personal loss to him, the potential damage to their reputations, the readiness of their escape plan, and the moral implications of Socrates' decision to stay.

05:02

🔍 Analyzing Credo's Arguments for Socrates' Escape

In the second paragraph, Dr. Sadler delves deeper into the arguments presented by Credo for Socrates to flee Athens. Credo's points include the moral wrongness of Socrates' execution, the risk to his children's well-being, and the perceived cowardice in not resisting his fate. Credo also emphasizes the public perception and reputation at stake, suggesting that not helping Socrates would make them appear cowardly. Dr. Sadler highlights the complexity of Credo's case, which is not solely based on a single argument but rather a combination of personal, moral, and societal considerations. The discussion sets the stage for further analysis of Socrates' response and the philosophical implications of his potential escape.

Keywords

💡Philosophy

Philosophy is the study of general and fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. In the video, Dr. Gregory Sadler, a professor of philosophy, uses philosophy to analyze and interpret classic philosophical texts, specifically focusing on the dialogue 'The Crito' by Plato. The theme of the video revolves around philosophical concepts and arguments presented in 'The Crito,' such as the morality of law and the implications of Socrates' decision to stay or flee.

💡Classic Philosophical Texts

Classic philosophical texts are foundational works in the field of philosophy, often written by renowned philosophers from ancient to modern times. The video script discusses the difficulty many people face when reading these texts due to their complex language and structure. Dr. Sadler's educational work aims to make these texts more accessible, as exemplified by his analysis of Plato's 'The Crito.'

💡Socrates

Socrates was a classical Greek philosopher credited as one of the founders of Western philosophy. In the video, Socrates is the central figure in Plato's dialogue 'The Crito,' where he is depicted as a man on trial, sentenced to death, and considering whether to escape or accept his fate. His character and decisions are analyzed through a philosophical lens to explore themes of morality, law, and personal integrity.

💡The Crito

'The Crito' is one of Plato's dialogues, named after the main interlocutor, Crito. In the dialogue, Crito tries to convince Socrates to escape from prison, arguing against the morality of Socrates' execution. The video script delves into the arguments presented by Crito and Socrates' responses, which form the core of the philosophical discussion in the video.

💡Crito

Crito is a wealthy Athenian and a friend of Socrates who, in the dialogue, offers to help Socrates escape from prison. The video script outlines Crito's arguments for why Socrates should flee, including the potential harm to Crito's reputation and the moral implications of allowing Socrates to be executed. Crito's character serves as a foil to Socrates, presenting different perspectives on the situation.

💡Escape Plan

The escape plan mentioned in the video refers to Crito's proposal to help Socrates flee from prison after he has been sentenced to death. This plan is a central element in the dialogue 'The Crito,' as it sets the stage for the philosophical debate about the morality of breaking the law and the consequences of such an action.

💡Integrity

Integrity is a concept that refers to the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles. In the video, Crito argues that Socrates' death would be a great loss to him because Socrates embodies integrity. This concept is crucial to understanding the moral dilemmas presented in the dialogue and the reasons why Socrates might choose to stay and face execution.

💡Morality

Morality is the differentiation between right and wrong, and along with ethics, it is a major branch of philosophy. The video discusses the moral implications of Socrates' decision to either escape or stay and face execution. Crito argues that it is morally wrong for Socrates to allow himself to be executed, while Socrates may have different moral considerations.

💡Public Perception

Public perception refers to how a situation or individual is viewed by the public. In the video, Crito is concerned about what people will think if Socrates does not escape, suggesting that public perception can influence moral and ethical decisions. This concept is used to explore the social pressures and expectations that can affect one's actions.

💡Bravery

Bravery is the quality of being courageous and daring, especially in the face of danger or adversity. In the dialogue 'The Crito,' Crito suggests that Socrates' decision to stay and face execution is not an act of bravery but rather an act of cowardice. This challenges the viewer to consider what true bravery entails and how it relates to the moral choices presented in the dialogue.

Highlights

Dr. Gregory Sadler introduces himself as a professor of philosophy and founder of reason iio.

Sadler has over 20 years of experience in studying and teaching philosophy.

He discusses the challenges people face in reading classic philosophical texts.

Sadler's educational approach focuses on making philosophy accessible to students and lifelong learners.

He mentions producing long lecture videos on YouTube that have been found useful by viewers.

The current video is part of a new series focusing on one core concept from a philosophical text.

The dialogue 'The Credo' by Plato is introduced, featuring Socrates' trial and impending execution.

Credo, a rich man and student of Socrates, proposes an escape plan to Socrates.

Sadler outlines the main arguments Credo advances to convince Socrates to flee Athens.

Credo's first argument is that Socrates' death would be a great personal loss to him.

Credo argues that Socrates' escape is morally right and staying is wrong.

The plan to escape is ready, and Credo believes it is the best course of action.

Credo suggests that Socrates' enemies will be satisfied if he is executed, which is wrong.

Credo raises the issue of Socrates' children, arguing that he would be a bad father if he does not flee.

Credo claims that Socrates' acceptance of execution is an act of cowardice, contrary to his teachings on bravery.

The video explores the tension between public perception and the actual moral implications of Socrates' decision.

Sadler concludes by summarizing Credo's strong case for Socrates to flee Athens and defy the law.

Transcripts

hi this is Dr Gregory Sadler I'm a

professor of philosophy and the

president and founder of an educational

consulting company called reason iio

where we put philosophy into

practice I've studied and taught

Philosophy for over 20 years and I find

that many people run into difficulties

reading classic philosophical texts

sometimes it's the way things are said

or how the text is structured but the

concepts themselves are not always that

complicated as and that's where I come

in to help students and lifelong

Learners I've been producing longer

lecture videos and posting them to

YouTube many viewers say they find them

useful what you're currently watching is

part of a new series of shorter videos

each of them focused on One Core concept

from an important philosophical text I

hope you find it useful as

well in his dialogue The Credo named

after the main interlocutor of the

dialogue with Socrates Plato has that

char character provides some arguments

for a position that that he's advancing

in relation to Socrates trial Socrates

impending execution and the possibility

of Escape cedo is a rich man from out of

town and he's a student of Socrates and

also a friend and so he comes in and he

says look I've bribed the Jailer we have

the the escape plan in place you just

have to come with us and Socrates says

to him well you know let's let's think

about this so Credo is trying to

convince Socrates that it's the right

thing to do and I've put here on the

board the main arguments that crto is

advancing you notice that he doesn't

just have one single point that he just

harps on over and over again although

there is going to be a Common Thread

running through all of these and we're

going to look at um Socrates response to

that in some of the other core concept

videos about this so Credo wants to to

get Socrates to leave Athens this is his

main point Socrates should flee Athens

he's been sentenced to death the trial

was you know rather unfair and Socrates

said look I'm not going to get a a good

trial from you so I'm going to use this

as a a talking point piece

um you had your chance Athens that's all

discussed in the apology so crto says

look

Socrates you should leave now now

remember Socrates is an old man he's

lived in Athens all of his life except

for being a military campaigns um cedo

is a rich man from another Greek city

state thessaly in this case and Credo is

going to make some some arguments so the

first argument that he makes is an

interesting one he says look your death

is going to be a great loss to me you're

the kind of friend that I can't easily

replace and what does he mean by that he

means not that well you're a rich friend

or you're well connected or anything

like that because Socrates isn't instead

what he means is you're somebody who has

Integrity you're somebody who is

reflective you're somebody who can teach

you really one-of a kind Socrates and I

don't want to lose you so that's an

interesting argument and you know you

would think that Credo could just stick

with that but instead he moves on

immediately

to and be

what are people going to think here I am

a rich guy we've got other friends that

are rich as well and we would put

ourselves out for just about anybody are

they going to say they really didn't

like Socrates they must not have cared

for for him because they valued their

wealth more than they valued the

opportunity to bribe the Jailer and get

him out of

jail now notice that that's making the

Assumption on the part of those people

that given the opportunity Socrates will

go along with it Socrates isn't going to

go along with it and that's one of the

weaknesses to to credo's position and

we're going to come back to this people

will think uh thing in in a few minutes

another argument that he gives he says

look the plan is ready so this is an

argument what from what we might call

expediency or or active possibility he's

saying I've already bribed the Jailer

we've already got the Escape Plan ready

don't worry about us you know the the

people of Athens are not going to be

able to hurt us they're not going to be

able to to attack our reputation if we

get you out of here we're going to be in

a in another Greek city state and we'll

be okay and none of your friends here

are going to suffer because of it so

that's a third argument being

given the

fourth which is the most interesting the

one that's going to be the sticking

point that's going to get Socrates um

reframing the argument CTO goes on and

he says oh by the way it's wrong for you

to stay here and allow yourself to be

executed morally wrong not just it's

it's imprudent or not profitable or a

bad idea not just people are going to

say stuff about us not just it's going

to be you know a real um loss to to me

and to other people who love you but

Socrates you're doing the wrong thing by

actually staying here and play or Plato

has Credo give three different reasons

for

this one is this is a very interesting

one look Socrates if you stay here

you're doing exactly what your enemies

intended they're they wanted to silence

you they've wanted to silence you for a

long time now they're finally going to

get the chance and you're playing right

into their

hands so you're doing something wrong

why because you're collaborating with

somebody else who's trying to do

something wrong namely to

you so that's one another very

interesting argument Socrates you have

children if you allow yourself to be

executed who's going to look after your

kids and you know nowadays we might say

well you know your your family structure

or you know at worst the orphanage or uh

Child Protective Services or somebody

will step in and take care of them but

you know uh in ancient societies to be

an orphan was really to be at a

disadvantage so by allowing these other

people and the legal system to in effect

cause his death he is putting his sons

his young not yet developed you know not

yet uh fully educated Sons at risk and

that's wrong for him to do he's being a

bad father by not fleeing to to to you

know some other place where presumably

his sons could could join him or he

could send money to his

sons the last one that he says and here

cedo kind of shifts ground and he comes

back to this this second point he says

look Socrates you know you're this guy

who's always talking about the need to

be good and about

bravery and this is not the act of a

brave man just to you know accept it and

and allow these people to kill you you

should you know you should go and and

try to do everything you can you should

you know he's not uh obviously in the

the 19th or 20th century or 21st century

so he can't say rage rage against the

dying of the light but in effect he's

saying something very similar s rates

you can't take this lying down because

that's the that's an act of cowardice

almost immediately CTO shifts to saying

and people are going to think that we're

a bunch of cowards too because we didn't

help you out and you know look we are

helping you out and you're not

cooperating with us and all of that goes

back to

this people will

think and worrying about public

perception public reputation Public

Image

uh rather than worrying about what the

actuality or the facts of the case

really are cedo is recurring to saying

look you know most people are going to

just say these guys were too cowardly

they didn't have the guts to try this

daring maneuver and get Socrates out of

prison so he's you know making a pretty

strong case for this idea that Socrates

should flee Athens he should break the

rules he should violate the laws of his

city which have under which he's been

found guilty and he's been sentenced to

death