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

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.

• →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.

• 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

• 💡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.

• 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.