Philosophy 101
Short Essay Topic: Plato's Crito
Due Tuesday, February 12

In the Crito, Socrates develops a careful argument in defense of the view that it would be wrong
of him to escape. Your task in this short (3-5 page, typed, double-spaced) essay is, first, to
set out his argument as carefully and in as much detail as you can manage. Your analysis of the
argument should pay careful attention to the following features:

--each of the claims (premises) that is crucial to the argument

--any arguments (or support) Socrates provides for the truth of key premises

Your goal is to explain as clearly as possible just how the argument goes—how exactly Socrates
arrives at the conclusion that he must remain and accept his execution.

Second, once you have the argument set out this way, critically evaluate it. This can be done in a
number of ways. Perhaps you think one of the premises is false. If so, explain why exactly you think
it is false. Perhaps you think that the argument is invalid. Try to show clearly how this is the case
(explain how all the premises could be true and yet the conclusion still false). If you think the argument
is sound, consider what you think is the strongest potential objection to it and explain carefully why this
objection is mistaken. Finally, consider what your discussion leads you to conclude regarding
Socrates' situation. What do you think he should do? More broadly, under what circumstances,
if any, do you think citizens may be permitted (or obligated) to disobey the law?

Remember, essays are due Tuesday Feb. 12

Note: Please feel free to ask for my help as you're working on your essay. I'll be happy to answer
            your questions. I'll even read an outline or a rough draft and give you some ideas for what
            might improve it.

Please review my comments on plagiarism in the syllabus. Minimum penalty for intentionally
            plagiarized work is an 'F' in the course.

Note: In your quest to write an excellent paper, pay careful attention to the rules that Vaughn
          develops in Chpt. 3 of his book. His discussion In Chpt. 4 is also very helpful. In
          particular, you should be sure that your paper has a thesis. This is the main claim that
          you will defend in the paper. Much of your paper will be devoted simply to explaining
          Socrates' argument in a clear, careful, and well-organized manner. However, you should
          also focus on clarity and detail in developing your criticism of the argument. A fair
          assessment of one or more objections to your view is especially helpful.-