Paper Summary:

Describes the State/individual relationship as a key element in political philosoophy. Ideas of Plato as expressed in THE APOLOGY, the account of Socrates acceptance of a death sentence rather than giving up his way of life. Idea of moral duty and obedience to the laws of the state, even if the laws are unjust. Moral concept of right and wrong expressed in the CRITO. Socrates view of philosophy as the proper way to determine right from wrong.

From the Paper:

"One of the key elements in political philosophy is the nature of the relationship between the individual and the state. Generally, this is related by a given philosopher to his or her view of the origin of the state, which in turn determines the nature of the obligation owed by the individual to the state. Plato holds that we live in a state and enjoy the protection of its laws and that this gives us an obligation to the state to obey its laws. Socrates is the voice by which Plato speaks, and there has always been some uncertainty as to the source of much of what Socrates has to say in the dialogues, whether Plato can be viewed more as a chronicler or as a philosopher putting words into the mouth of Socrates as a character. In any case, in The Apology, Socrates accepts a death sentence rather than recant his way of life. However, he is also given the option of paying..."

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