Prose Set Text Group 1 (2027–28): Plato, Crito 43a–48d — OCR A-Level Greek Revision

    The study of Plato's Crito, specifically lines 43a to 48d (Group 1) and 48d to the end (Group 2), as part of the Prose Literature component for the 2027–28

    Topic Synopsis

    The study of Plato's Crito, specifically lines 43a to 48d (Group 1) and 48d to the end (Group 2), as part of the Prose Literature component for the 2027–28 examination cycle.

    Key Concepts & Core Principles

    Exam Tips & Revision Strategies

    Examiner Marking Points

    Prose Set Text Group 1 (2027–28): Plato, Crito 43a–48d

    OCR
    A-Level

    The study of Plato's Crito, specifically lines 43a to 48d (Group 1) and 48d to the end (Group 2), as part of the Prose Literature component for the 2027–28 examination cycle.

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    Objectives
    3
    Exam Tips
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    Pitfalls
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    Key Terms
    7
    Mark Points

    Topic Overview

    Plato's *Crito* is a philosophical dialogue set in Socrates' prison cell in 399 BCE, just before his execution. The prescribed passage (43a–48d) opens with Crito's desperate attempt to persuade Socrates to escape, arguing that Socrates' death would harm his friends' reputation and that Socrates is betraying his own children. Socrates responds by rejecting appeals to popular opinion and insisting that one must never do wrong, even in retaliation for wrongs suffered. This section introduces the foundational ethical principle that the only valid considerations are whether an action is just or unjust, not what others will think or what consequences follow.

    For OCR A-Level Greek, this text is studied in the original language, requiring close attention to Plato's vocabulary, syntax, and rhetorical strategies. The passage is crucial for understanding Socratic ethics and the concept of the 'social contract' that Socrates later develops. Students must analyse how Plato uses dialogue to challenge conventional morality and to establish reason as the ultimate guide for action. The themes of justice, obedience to law, and the priority of principle over self-interest are central to Western philosophy and remain highly relevant today.

    This passage fits within the broader context of Plato's early dialogues, which depict Socrates' method of elenchus (cross-examination) and his commitment to moral truth. It also connects to the *Apology*, where Socrates defends his philosophical mission, and to the *Phaedo*, which describes his final moments. Mastery of this text requires not only linguistic precision but also the ability to discuss its philosophical implications, making it a challenging but rewarding component of the A-Level course.

    Key Concepts

    Core ideas you must understand for this topic

    • →The principle that one must never do wrong (ἀδικεῖν) or return wrong for wrong, even when suffering injustice oneself (49b–c).
    • →The rejection of popular opinion (οἱ πολλοί) as a guide for moral action; only the opinion of the one who understands justice (ὁ ἐπιστήμων) matters (47a–48a).
    • →The distinction between living (ζῆν) and living well (εὖ ζῆν), which Socrates equates with living justly (48b).
    • →Socrates' use of the 'craft analogy' – just as one should listen to a doctor about health, one should listen to the expert about justice (47b–c).
    • →The concept of 'doing what is agreed' (τὰ ὁμολογημένα) as a basis for moral obligation, foreshadowing the social contract argument (49e–50a).

    What You Need to Demonstrate

    Key skills and knowledge for this topic

    • Demonstrate detailed knowledge and understanding of the set text
    • Identify, analyse and evaluate literary techniques, characterisation, and strength of argument
    • Use appropriate technical terms in English to describe literary techniques
    • Demonstrate appropriate historical and cultural knowledge relevant to the text
    • Select relevant information from the material to support arguments
    • Present information in a clear, concise and coherent manner
    • Understand the literary context through reading relevant selections in English translation

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Demonstrate detailed knowledge and understanding of the set text
    • Identify, analyse and evaluate literary techniques, characterisation, and strength of argument
    • Use appropriate technical terms in English to describe literary techniques
    • Demonstrate appropriate historical and cultural knowledge relevant to the text
    • Select relevant information from the material to support arguments
    • Present information in a clear, concise and coherent manner
    • Understand the literary context through reading relevant selections in English translation

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡Ensure familiarity with the English translation of the entire text to support the analysis of the set Greek passages
    • 💡Focus on the development of the argument within the Crito
    • 💡Use the prescribed Bloomsbury edition (ISBN: 978-1350379633) for reference
    • 💡When translating, pay close attention to particles like μήν, γε, and δή, which carry important logical or emotional weight. For example, Socrates' use of μάλιστα (47b) to agree with Crito is emphatic and signals a key turning point.
    • 💡In essays, always ground your arguments in specific Greek words or phrases. For instance, discuss how the verb βουλεύεσθαι (to deliberate) at 46b shows Socrates' method of rational decision-making. Avoid vague references to 'the text' without citing precise language.
    • 💡For higher marks, connect the *Crito* to other Platonic dialogues or to contemporary ethical debates. For example, compare Socrates' refusal to escape with modern civil disobedience (e.g., Martin Luther King Jr.) to show deeper understanding of the principles involved.

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Students often think Socrates is simply obeying the law out of fear or passivity. In fact, he actively argues that escaping would be unjust because it would violate his agreement with the state and harm the laws. His obedience is a rational choice based on principle, not weakness.
    • Another mistake is to assume that Socrates completely disregards consequences. While he prioritises justice over consequences, he does consider the effects on his friends and children, but argues that acting unjustly would harm them more than his death would.
    • Some students misinterpret 'never return wrong for wrong' as a form of pacifism or non-resistance. Socrates is not opposed to all retaliation; he is specifically arguing against committing injustice in response to injustice. The key is the nature of the act, not its consequences.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions students ask about this topic

    Before You Start

    Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

    • •Familiarity with the historical context of Socrates' trial and death, as described in Plato's *Apology*.
    • •Basic understanding of Socratic method (elenchus) and the concept of 'care for the soul' (ἐπιμέλεια τῆς ψυχῆς).
    • •Knowledge of key Greek vocabulary for moral concepts: δίκαιος (just), ἀδικία (injustice), καλός (noble), αἰσχρός (shameful).

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

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