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

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.