Socrates and Antigone vs. the Law The proclivity for people to challenge the law has been a topic of discussion for thousands of years. In Plato’s Crito, Greek Philosopher Socrates explains his point of view on the subject in which he chooses to abide by the law, even if he knows that he will be executed. Antigone, a main character from Sophocles’ play of the same name, contradicts Socrates’ ideas and clarifies her belief that one should rebel against authority according to their own justice. Although Socrates has questioned authority in the past, I claim that he does not desire to repudiate against the very government which raised him, unlike Antigone. Socrates justifies his point in a conversation with his friend Crito, opposing any plans
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She attempts to convince Ismene to not become involved in her delinquency in order to protect her from negative criticism. “Think how they’ll hate you when it all comes out if they learn that you knew about it all the time!” (289). This goes along with the theme of public opinion, as Antigone is troubled by the fact that her actions may affect what others think about her sister. This parallels Socrates’ worry about his family being victimized by the public as well. Unlike Socrates, Antigone goes forth with her plan to disobey the …show more content…
This argument is true, as Socrates intends to go against the state laws, yet discloses his respect for the Athenian government. When the death sentence was announced, Socrates did not try to further make amends with the officials and therefore accepted his fate. Both Socrates and Antigone are willing to be put to death for their beliefs, but for different reasons. Socrates and Antigone would disagree with each other’s opinions on obeying the law, as they appear to be on opposite sides of the same spectrum. Socrates would rather agree with Kreon, the King of Thebes, as he strongly submits to the rules and detracts others from rebellion. He believes that accepting an authority involves knowing that its judgements are separate to your own, whereas Antigone believes in acting in your own
She attempts to convince Ismene to not become involved in her delinquency in order to protect her from negative criticism. “Think how they’ll hate you when it all comes out if they learn that you knew about it all the time!” (289). This goes along with the theme of public opinion, as Antigone is troubled by the fact that her actions may affect what others think about her sister. This parallels Socrates’ worry about his family being victimized by the public as well. Unlike Socrates, Antigone goes forth with her plan to disobey the …show more content…
This argument is true, as Socrates intends to go against the state laws, yet discloses his respect for the Athenian government. When the death sentence was announced, Socrates did not try to further make amends with the officials and therefore accepted his fate. Both Socrates and Antigone are willing to be put to death for their beliefs, but for different reasons. Socrates and Antigone would disagree with each other’s opinions on obeying the law, as they appear to be on opposite sides of the same spectrum. Socrates would rather agree with Kreon, the King of Thebes, as he strongly submits to the rules and detracts others from rebellion. He believes that accepting an authority involves knowing that its judgements are separate to your own, whereas Antigone believes in acting in your own