What is Socrates argument as to why it is unjust to break the law?

For Socrates, breaking the law, even if the law is unjust, represents an unjust action in the sense that it undermines the agreements that he has entered into with the city’s inhabitants.

Why does Socrates argue that law is important?

Socrates´ thought of justice and obedience to laws is motivated by a will to avoid the destructive effects of Sophistic criticisms and theories of laws. He thus requires-against theories of natural law-an almost absolute obedience to the law, as far as this law respects the legal system of the city.

What should we do according to Socrates if the laws are unjust?

If Socrates is to avoid being executed, he must persuade the Laws that they punish him unjustly rather than simply fleeing, which would disrespect and destroy the Laws.

What justifications does Socrates give to crito in crito against escaping jail?

Crito lays out several reasons for why he should escape including that their enemies would think his friends were too cheap or timid to arrange for him to escape, that he would be giving his enemies what they want by dying and that he has a responsibility to his children to not leave them fatherless.

What reasons does Socrates give for thinking that breaking the laws of the City cause the city harm?

Since the Laws exist as one entity, to break one would be to break them all, and in doing so, Socrates would cause them great harm. The citizen is bound to the Laws like a child is bound to a parent, and so to go against the Laws would be like striking a parent.

What is Socrates law?

To answer this riddle, Socrates conjures the Laws, which confront and question the philosopher. The Laws take the stance that escape is unjust, for disobeying the rules would, in effect, destroy the Laws and what they stand for.

What does Socrates say about law?

According to Socrates, one should never violate a just agreement (Cr. 49e). Disobedience to Athenian law would be unjust and would harm the laws. Therefore, one should not disobey the laws.

What is the relationship between unjust laws and civil disobedience?

Civil disobedience is the deliberate action against an unjust law to invoke a positive change in government and society. Civilians have the right to refute these types of unjust laws to eliminate inequality and government’s unjust nature by following conscience before laws for moral guidance.

What argument does Crito give to try to convince Socrates to escape his punishment How does Socrates respond?

One of Crito’s strongest arguments in favor of escape comes at 45c, where Crito suggests that Socrates would be abetting the wrong-doing of his enemies in following through with their wishes. Socrates’ reply to this argument is that he would in fact be harming the Laws, which are just.

What do the laws say will happen to Socrates friends and pupils if he escapes?

If Socrates should escape, his family and friends will run the risk of banishment and loss of property.

How does Socrates define justice in crito?

Crito agrees, thus Socrates leads to the conclusion that one must not return injustice when wronged. Socrates also gets Crito to agree that an injustice is no different from inflicting an injury (as Crito agrees that to inflict an injury is always wrong – even in retaliation).