Question

What are the “personal reasons” Socrates has for his refusal to escape from jail? Try to prioritize them, that is, distinguish what you think are the more important from the less important reasons he gives Crito.

Answer 1

In the dialogue "Arrival of the Ship" Crito lays upon Socrates his plans of smuggling him out of jail and helping him live away in anonymity. Socrates however refuses sternly arguing that it is the just thing to do. Thus, Socrates did not want to escape prison because he did not want to tarnish his reputation as the entire Greek society was anticipating that he would be able to escape the juridical order. What appears as the primary self-centered or personal reason is in retrospect a higher-order moral judgement. Socrates is not concerned with what he must do in order to live, but what he must do in order to live well as an honourable and just individual. Thus, Socrates argues that Crito and he should not worry about the public or about the future of Socrates' sons. Rather, Socrates gave primacy to reasoning whether arranging an escape would be just and honorable.

Thus, Socrates stayed in prison because of what he believed in: that two wrongs do not make a right. Socrates said, “One should never do wrong in return…no matter what he may have done to you” (49d).

Although, His death sentence was unjust as he was innocent, for him to escape and disobey the law is equally unjust. Therefore, regardless of Creto’s offer of escape, he feels personally compelled not to commit harm against any evil decision or action of others.