This is an opportunity that Socrates had. As noted, he was aware that he was disobeying moral laws. However, he also acted as if the laws did not exist and failed to recognize the reality of them. In doing so, he lost his opportunity to change them. In doing so, he also rejected the fact that he does exist as part of a larger system and ignored the fact that the laws still exist for everyone else, regardless of whether he accepts them. In considering Socrates' opinions on the laws, it seems that if he felt strongly enough to reject them, he should have felt strongly enough to take some action to change them. This is Socrates problem, where he both rejected the laws and tried to avoid the consequences. His major error was not in rejecting the laws, since it is noted that laws are fallible and so there will sometimes be reason to reject them. His error was in his inability to accept the consequences of doing so. He refused to recognize that he was rejecting the law, acting as if they did not exist or apply if he considered them wrong. Based on this, he then refused to argue against the laws or state his case. For Socrates, the consequences of breaking the law included that there was a need to justify his actions. If Socrates had of accepted responsibility for his choices, he would have made valid arguments and justified his choices. This also would have given the society the opportunity to see the...
It was noted earlier that like everyone, Socrates was both an individual and part of a larger system. Accepting the consequences of disobeying the laws would have allowed him to play his part in the larger system by changing the laws that govern all individuals. However, Socrates chose not to play his part in the system and his choices were based only on his own moral codes. This is not realistic approach since no person is ever just an individual as long as they exist as part of a larger society.
Overall then, it has been seen that Socrates did not make the right choices. It is acceptable to reject and disobey immoral laws. However, if this is done, one also has to accept the consequences of doing so. This means recognizing that the law exists and applies to people even if it is unjust, accepting that you are breaking the law, and being willing to make an argument against the law with the potential of changing that law. If the consequences are accepted, the individual is rejecting the law and following their own moral code, but in a way that does not ignore their place as part of a larger society and in a way that does not ignore their obligation to that society.
Works Cited
Plato. "Apology." In Five Dialogues: Euthyphro, Apology, Crito, Meno, Phaedo. Trans. G.M.A. Grube. Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing Company, 1981.
