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Socrates imagines that the Laws of Athens visit him in

prison. They remind Socrates that he made a contract with
them. What things do the Laws promise to provide
Socrates?

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The Laws of Athens remind Socrates that they provided him with education, enrichment through cultural offerings, citizenship, and the freedom to leave at any time, all of which are benefits of the social contract he has with them.

Step-by-step explanation:

In Plato's dialogue 'Crito', the Laws of Athens personify themselves and visit Socrates in prison, reminding him of the metaphorical contract he has with them. The Laws argue that they have provided Socrates with education, the enrichment of his life through the city's cultural offerings, citizenship, and the freedom to leave Athens at any time. However, since Socrates has chosen to remain in the city throughout his life, participating in its democratic processes and abiding by its customs, he is seen as having accepted the contract with the city and its Laws, obliging him to follow them, even if it means facing execution.

The Laws essentially assert that they have given Socrates the benefits that come with being a citizen of Athens, and in return, he owes respect and adherence to the legal and social structure of the city-state.

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