Prose Set Text Group 2 (2027–28): Plato, Crito 48d to end — OCR A-Level Greek Revision

    Plato's Crito, specifically the section from 48d (starting at 'σκοπῶμεν') to the end of the dialogue. This text explores Socrates' arguments for why he mus

    Topic Synopsis

    Plato's Crito, specifically the section from 48d (starting at 'σκοπῶμεν') to the end of the dialogue. This text explores Socrates' arguments for why he must remain in prison and accept his death sentence, focusing on his commitment to the laws of Athens and the principles of justice.

    Key Concepts & Core Principles

    Exam Tips & Revision Strategies

    Common Misconceptions & Mistakes to Avoid

    Examiner Marking Points

    Prose Set Text Group 2 (2027–28): Plato, Crito 48d to end

    OCR
    A-Level

    Plato's Crito, specifically the section from 48d (starting at 'σκοπῶμεν') to the end of the dialogue. This text explores Socrates' arguments for why he must remain in prison and accept his death sentence, focusing on his commitment to the laws of Athens and the principles of justice.

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    Objectives
    4
    Exam Tips
    4
    Pitfalls
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    Key Terms
    6
    Mark Points

    Topic Overview

    This section of Plato's *Crito* (48d to the end) is the philosophical climax of the dialogue, where Socrates presents his most powerful arguments for why he must accept his death sentence rather than escape from prison. The key passage begins with Socrates' statement that 'the most important thing is not to live, but to live well' (48b), and then develops into the famous personification of the Laws of Athens. Socrates imagines the Laws addressing him directly, arguing that by escaping he would be destroying the city and the very legal system that has nurtured him. This argument is a cornerstone of political philosophy, exploring the relationship between the individual and the state, and the nature of moral obligation.

    For OCR A-Level students, this text is crucial because it tests your ability to analyse philosophical argumentation in original Greek. You need to understand not only the grammar and vocabulary but also the logical structure of Socrates' reasoning. The passage introduces concepts like the 'social contract' (though Plato doesn't use that term), the duty of obedience to law, and the idea that one must never do wrong even in response to wrong. These ideas are still debated today in discussions of civil disobedience and legal obligation.

    In the wider context of the A-Level course, this passage connects to themes of justice, piety, and the examined life that run through Plato's early dialogues. It also provides a contrast with the *Apology*, where Socrates seems more defiant, and shows his consistency in valuing moral principle over personal safety. Mastering this text will give you a deep understanding of Socratic ethics and prepare you for essay questions on the relationship between the individual and the state.

    Key Concepts

    Core ideas you must understand for this topic

    • →The principle that one must never do wrong or return wrong for wrong (οὐδαμῶς δεῖ ἀδικεῖν οὐδὲ κακῶς ποιεῖν), even when wronged oneself – this is the foundation of Socrates' refusal to escape.
    • →The personification of the Laws (οἱ Νόμοι) as a rhetorical device to argue that escaping would be an act of injustice against the state that has given Socrates life, education, and protection.
    • →The concept of agreement (συνθήκη) or contract: by choosing to live in Athens, Socrates has implicitly agreed to obey its laws, and breaking that agreement would be unjust.
    • →The distinction between persuasion and force: the Laws argue that if a citizen disagrees with a law, they should persuade the state to change it, not disobey it.
    • →The argument from consistency: Socrates has always preached the importance of justice and the rule of law; escaping would make him a hypocrite and undermine his life's work.

    What You Need to Demonstrate

    Key skills and knowledge for this topic

    • Demonstration of detailed knowledge and understanding of the set text
    • Analysis and evaluation of literary techniques and characterisation
    • Analysis and evaluation of the strength of Socrates' arguments
    • Understanding of the social, cultural, and historical context of the dialogue
    • Ability to select relevant information from the text to support arguments
    • Clear, concise, and coherent presentation of findings in English

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Demonstration of detailed knowledge and understanding of the set text
    • Analysis and evaluation of literary techniques and characterisation
    • Analysis and evaluation of the strength of Socrates' arguments
    • Understanding of the social, cultural, and historical context of the dialogue
    • Ability to select relevant information from the text to support arguments
    • Clear, concise, and coherent presentation of findings in English

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡Ensure thorough familiarity with the English translation of the entire Crito to provide context for the Greek set text
    • 💡Practice identifying and explaining the function of specific literary techniques used by Plato
    • 💡Focus on the logical structure of Socrates' arguments in the final section of the dialogue
    • 💡Use the provided commentary notes in the prescribed Bloomsbury edition to deepen understanding of the text
    • 💡When translating, pay close attention to particles like γάρ, δέ, and οὖν – they signal the logical flow of the argument. For example, in 50a, 'ἢ δοκεῖ σοι οἷόν τε εἶναι ἐκείνην τὴν πόλιν ἔτι εἶναι...' the γάρ explains why the Laws are speaking.
    • 💡For essays, always link specific Greek words to philosophical concepts. For instance, discuss how 'ἀδικεῖν' (to do wrong) is used consistently to tie the argument together, and note the force of the infinitive in indirect statement.
    • 💡Be prepared to evaluate the argument critically: does the Laws' argument rely on a flawed analogy? Could Socrates have responded differently? Showing awareness of scholarly debate (e.g., whether the *Crito* defends totalitarianism) will impress examiners.

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Failing to link literary analysis to the philosophical arguments
    • Neglecting the context provided by the English translation sections
    • Over-reliance on general knowledge rather than specific textual evidence
    • Inability to use appropriate technical literary terminology
    • Misconception: Socrates argues that one must always obey the law without question. Correction: Socrates actually says that one must either obey the law or persuade the state to change it (51b-c). This leaves room for civil disobedience through dialogue, not violence.
    • Misconception: The Laws' argument is presented as Plato's own view. Correction: While Plato may sympathise, the passage is a dramatic monologue; Socrates is testing the strength of the argument, and some scholars see it as ironic or problematic.
    • Misconception: The 'agreement' is a literal contract. Correction: It is a metaphorical agreement based on the benefits Socrates has received from Athens (birth, education, etc.), not a signed document.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions students ask about this topic

    Before You Start

    Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

    • •Familiarity with the *Apology* of Plato, especially Socrates' defence of his philosophical mission and his claim that he will not stop philosophising even if threatened with death.
    • •Basic understanding of Socratic ethics: the priority of the soul over the body, the idea that virtue is knowledge, and the principle that it is better to suffer wrong than to do wrong.
    • •Knowledge of the historical context: the trial of Socrates in 399 BC, the political situation in Athens after the Peloponnesian War, and the charges of impiety and corrupting the youth.

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

    Analyse
    Evaluate
    Discuss
    Explain
    To what extent

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