logo
episode-header-image
Jan 2020
42m 28s

Episode 72, Plato's Crito: Socrates in P...

Jack Symes | Andrew Horton, Oliver Marley, and Rose de Castellane
About this episode

Have you ever considered the invisible power of the law? How a contract is signed without ever putting pen to paper? Do not underestimate the importance of that which cannot be seen or grasped, since you unknowingly benefit from its presence and would suffer greatly in its absence. Therefore, if the law has kept you safe for all your best years, should you look to criticise it the moment it accuses?

Be careful not to pull too hard at that thread, for the social fabric appears tightly woven but is actually patched over the ages by many inadequate tailors. If you decide that the law doesn't suit you now, are you not making yourself a special case? Isn't everyone a special case? Would not everyone be pardoned?

So, what will it be: accept the law and therefore your fate, or set a precedent that demonstrates the contract is in fact as real as it is visible?

Contents

Part I. The Dialogue

Part II. Further Analysis and Discussion


Links

Plato, The Complete Works (pdf).

Up next
Yesterday
Episode 159, The Rowan Williams Interview
This episode brings together Jack and Rowan Williams, the 104th Archbishop of Canterbury and one of the world's most distinguished theologians. As they explore the intersection of faith, politics, and ethics, they confront Christian nationalism, the morality of war, the value of ... Show More
52m 9s
May 31
Episode 158, Live Debate: Alex O'Connor x William Lane Craig
This episode brings together two leading voices in philosophy of religion: William Lane Craig, one of the world's foremost Christian apologists, and Alex O'Connor, one of today's most prominent atheist thinkers. As they confront the arguments for and against belief in God, they s ... Show More
1h 50m
May 17
Episode 157, 'Jesus' Physical Appearance' with John Nelson
"Hey, it's Jack here – I'm still out in the van writing up my travel book. The wind and rain coming down hard in France, as you might hear in the background. We're recording an old-school show and another interview at the end of the month, which we're really excited to produce an ... Show More
51m 9s
Recommended Episodes
Sep 2025
Ep. 376: Plato's "Laws" (Part Two)
Continuing on selections from this late Platonic dialogue. Starting in Book 4, Plato's characters are discussing how to create a new state ("Magnesia") from scratch. What sorts of laws should it have? We talk about marriage laws, the nocturnal council, how the law is argued for t ... Show More
52m 39s
Sep 2020
The final days of Socrates - Plato
The Last Days of SocratesA Philosophy book by Plato that is divided between 4 partsEuthyphroTakes place just before Socrate's trial is about to beginThe ApologyPlato uses his dialogues to tell the story of the trial of Socrates as he energetically defends himself against the char ... Show More
34m 39s
Sep 2025
Ep. 376: Plato's "Laws" (Part One)
On this later dialogue presenting Plato's ideas about the character of laws in a just state. They should all be aimed at making people virtuous, and so should include education to this end. Each law should be equipped with a prelude presenting a rational argument for why people s ... Show More
47m 45s
Sep 2024
Lawrence v. Texas Part 2 with Marcus McCann
<p>&quot;Times can blind us to certain truths and later generations can see that laws once thought necessary and proper in fact serve only to oppress. As the Constitution endures, persons in every generation can invoke its principles in their own search for greater freedom.&quot; ... Show More
1h 40m
Apr 2025
Agnes Callard on Lessons from Socrates
Does Socrates still have something to teach us? Agnes Callard thinks he has. Here she discusses the great Athenian and his continuing relevance with David Edmonds. 
22m 14s
Oct 2024
Episode #214 ... Framing our Being in a completely different way. (Heidegger)
Today we look at Heidegger's critique of metaphysics and the traditional subject-object framing in philosophy. How multiple framings are necessary for a fuller picture of our being. His challenge to thinkers like Nietzsche and Descartes. Dasein, the limitations of objectivity. Ph ... Show More
37m 54s
Aug 2023
The 48 Laws of Power - Robert Greene
The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene are described as amoral, cunning, ruthless, and instructive. This multi-million-copy New York Times bestselling book brands itself as the definitive manual for anyone interested in gaining, observing, or defending against ultimate control.50 ... Show More
39m 15s