Socrates and Superiority

I propose a n alternative interpretation of the Crito. The arguments tha t a re typically taken to be Socrates’ primary arguments against escape are actually supplementary arguments that rely on what I call the Superiority Thesis, the thesis tha t the s ta te and i ts citizens a re members of a moral hierarchy where those below are tied by bonds of obligation to those above. I provide evidence that Socrates holds this thesis, demonstrate how it resolves a number of apparent difficulties, and show why my interpretat ion is preferable to competing