Question

In The Crito dialog, Socrates is awoken by Crito early in the morning, the day before the old philosopher's execution by Hemlock poisoning. Why is Crito there?

Answer 1

Crito is there to arrange for Socrates' escape from prison and wants him to leave with him, out of concern for Socrates' life and his own reputation. However, Socrates believes that he should not do wrong even in return for a wrong.

Step-by-step explanation:

In The Crito dialog, Socrates is awoken by Crito early in the morning, the day before the old philosopher's execution by Hemlock poisoning. Crito is there because he has arranged for Socrates' escape from prison and wants him to leave with him. Crito loves Socrates and does not want him to die, as it would negatively impact Crito's reputation. However, Socrates does not accept Crito's emotional appeals and believes that he should not do wrong even in return for a wrong.

Answer 2

Crito was there to try to persuade Socrates to escape from the prison where he is awaiting execution.

Step-by-step explanation:

Socrates was accused of "corrupting the young" and "impiety" by the people of Athens and kept imprisoned awaiting execution by Hemlock poisoning. One of his friends, Crito, a rich wealthy Athenian visits him the day before he was to be killed. He had already bribed the guards and even made ready a boat for his escape to another town. But Socrates refused, saying that even though his charge wasn't right, he doesn't have to pay back evil for evil, in his case wrong for wrong. "Two wrongs doesn't make a right". Injustice should not be answered with injustice. So, he'll happily accept the verdict of the people of Athens and be executed.