Crito

by Plato

"Crito" by Plato is a dialogue written around 399 BC. It depicts a prison conversation between Socrates and his wealthy friend Crito, who offers to finance Socrates' escape before his execution. Socrates must decide whether fleeing is just or unjust. The dialogue explores justice, the appropriate response to injustice, and contains an ancient statement of social contract theory. Through personifying the Laws of Athens, Socrates examines whether citizens must obey society's laws unconditionally.