Final answer:
The statement is false; Socrates did not respect the opinions of the many, but instead prioritized reasoned judgement based on knowledge of justice and ethical standards, especially fidelity to the laws of Athens and his own principles.
Step-by-step explanation:
The claim that Socrates refuses to escape from prison because he greatly respects the opinion of the many is false. Socrates explicitly states that he should not respect the opinions of the many, but only those opinions based on knowledge of justice and the good. His arguments in Plato's Crito clarify that he values reasoned judgement over the will of the masses, and abides by his ethical principles and respect for the laws of Athens over the opinions of the many. Additionally, Socrates refuses to escape as he would see this as wrongdoing, particularly breaking his oath to the gods, which would be an act of impiety, and would set a negative example for the youth, potentially contributing to the corruption of the young. He firmly believed that keeping his oath and promise was crucial. His loyalty to the Laws and his desire to die as an innocent rather than live as a guilty man are central to his refusal to flee.