The Good, The Bad, and The Laws
When it comes to the topic of when someone can break the law, most of us will readily agree that breaking the law is unjust because laws are put in place to keep the community safe. Where this agreement usually ends, however, is on the question of when a law can acceptably be broken. Whereas some conclude that laws should never be broken, others maintain that there are some (4) instances where laws should be broken such as when the law is immoral. Socrates and Antigone would agree with the assertion that disobeying laws for no reason is not the solution to a problem. In Antigone’s case, she did break Kreon’s law since it was immoral. Therefore, if a law is immoral, people have the right to break the law. …show more content…
In Antigone, Antigone maintains that “‘It is the dead, Not the living, who make the longest demands: We die for ever...Since apparently the laws of the gods mean nothing to you’” (lines 58-61 288). Antigone bickers about how people disobey the laws of God, which she considers the most important. Also, she hints at legacy when she says that the dead “make the longest demands.” Her fight with Ismene displays more concern with possible punishments or treatment in the moment versus Antigone worrying about the effects of dying without honor. Legacy is more important than temporary action. Here, I mean that being known for doing something meaningful usually occurs posthumously. Conversely, reputation can help or hurt someone. If someone has a positive reputation, this will help them; if someone has a negative reputation, this will hurt them. For instance, a student who is constantly breaking rules and forcibly enters a new school has a reputation for being a troublemaker while a grounded, kind student has a reputation of being helpful and courteous. These factors affect how we perceive each other whether it be unfavorable or favorable. If Socrates broke laws to save his reputation instead of his philosophical beliefs, his death sentence would have seemed reasonable/deserved. A person who frequently breaks laws, therefore endangering others, is bound to be …show more content…
For instance, if a businessman knows that his business sells a defective product and chooses to sell it anyway, it is damaging and harmful to the consumer. Likewise, according to Socrates, “‘If it becomes clear that such conduct is wrong, I cannot help thinking that the question whether we are sure to die, or to suffer any other ill effect for that matter, if we stand our ground and take no action, ought not to weigh with us at all in comparison with the risk of doing what is wrong’” (Socrates 267). Socrates urges Crito to believe that doing what is wrong is far more dangerous than doing the right thing and facing the consequences. I say that people who care about the impact due to their actions are the ones who will change the world. My point is not to say that not everyone can change the world, but it is to exhibit that the most change comes from the most bravery or courage to face the consequences. It is dangerous to not voice your own opinion. It is more important to stand up for what you believe in and get into trouble than to stand down and be complacent. Both Socrates and Antigone set their plans into action and have their eyes fixed on the outcomes. It is not beneficial for someone to simply think of a solution; they should do something about it. For example, one of my life goals is to follow a career path that helps many people’s lives. Even if the aid doesn’t come immediately, it is very
When it comes to the topic of when someone can break the law, most of us will readily agree that breaking the law is unjust because laws are put in place to keep the community safe. Where this agreement usually ends, however, is on the question of when a law can acceptably be broken. Whereas some conclude that laws should never be broken, others maintain that there are some (4) instances where laws should be broken such as when the law is immoral. Socrates and Antigone would agree with the assertion that disobeying laws for no reason is not the solution to a problem. In Antigone’s case, she did break Kreon’s law since it was immoral. Therefore, if a law is immoral, people have the right to break the law. …show more content…
In Antigone, Antigone maintains that “‘It is the dead, Not the living, who make the longest demands: We die for ever...Since apparently the laws of the gods mean nothing to you’” (lines 58-61 288). Antigone bickers about how people disobey the laws of God, which she considers the most important. Also, she hints at legacy when she says that the dead “make the longest demands.” Her fight with Ismene displays more concern with possible punishments or treatment in the moment versus Antigone worrying about the effects of dying without honor. Legacy is more important than temporary action. Here, I mean that being known for doing something meaningful usually occurs posthumously. Conversely, reputation can help or hurt someone. If someone has a positive reputation, this will help them; if someone has a negative reputation, this will hurt them. For instance, a student who is constantly breaking rules and forcibly enters a new school has a reputation for being a troublemaker while a grounded, kind student has a reputation of being helpful and courteous. These factors affect how we perceive each other whether it be unfavorable or favorable. If Socrates broke laws to save his reputation instead of his philosophical beliefs, his death sentence would have seemed reasonable/deserved. A person who frequently breaks laws, therefore endangering others, is bound to be …show more content…
For instance, if a businessman knows that his business sells a defective product and chooses to sell it anyway, it is damaging and harmful to the consumer. Likewise, according to Socrates, “‘If it becomes clear that such conduct is wrong, I cannot help thinking that the question whether we are sure to die, or to suffer any other ill effect for that matter, if we stand our ground and take no action, ought not to weigh with us at all in comparison with the risk of doing what is wrong’” (Socrates 267). Socrates urges Crito to believe that doing what is wrong is far more dangerous than doing the right thing and facing the consequences. I say that people who care about the impact due to their actions are the ones who will change the world. My point is not to say that not everyone can change the world, but it is to exhibit that the most change comes from the most bravery or courage to face the consequences. It is dangerous to not voice your own opinion. It is more important to stand up for what you believe in and get into trouble than to stand down and be complacent. Both Socrates and Antigone set their plans into action and have their eyes fixed on the outcomes. It is not beneficial for someone to simply think of a solution; they should do something about it. For example, one of my life goals is to follow a career path that helps many people’s lives. Even if the aid doesn’t come immediately, it is very