Magdalena asked:

I have to write an essay for my philosophy class and I would like to receive some input. It is as
follows: As far as the Platonic Socrates is concerned, it is often alleged that the views he expresses in
the Critoon a citizen's obligation to obey the law are in conflict with the defiant stand to Athenian
law/court he takes in the Apology.Do you agree/disagree with this view?

Now, I don't agree with some aspects and agree with others. I don't agree that Socrates does not
obey the laws of Athens. He is expressing his views and not forcing anyone to follow him (as to
corrupting the youth). I do however believe that the laws are not very well defined and Socrates
understands that and believes in taking responsibility for his actions (that is what he states in the
Crito).

I would appreciate help to better understand the position of Socrates.

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In the Apology,Socrates is defiant as anyone would be, who was convinced of their innocence. In his
own eyes, he has done nothing wrong. If, according to the laws of Athens, he has committed any
crime, then the laws are wrong — or at least, as you say, badly formulated. In fact, the charges raised
against him by his accusers are lies. In pursuing his vocation as a philosopher, he has created
enemies, who have sought to destroy him by bringing this false charge. Finally, after the Guilty verdict
has been pronounced, Socrates turns on his accusers, asserting that they, and the Athenian Court, in
convicting him, have committed a great wrong.

In the CritoSocrates, in prison awaiting his execution, is offered the chance to escape, but turns it
down, arguing that such an action would 'harm the Laws of Athens'. Why should he care? The verdict
of the court was unjust, he does not deserve to die. His answer is very simple. The fact that a wrong
has been done to him does not make the action of escaping justice right. This is readily
understandable, in the light of the principle which Socrates lived by: 'It is worse to do wrong than to
suffer it.'

Geoffrey Klempner