Question discussion and answer framework

QUESTION A:

If I was to receive a summons or draft notice instructing me to report for active duty and as a result end up being deployed to Iraq, my first reaction would undoubtedly be one of shock and dismay, due to believing that the war in Iraq is an immoral action and all those who fight in this war are supporting immorality. Also, I would be forced to state that the war in Iraq is an unjust war which should be halted immediately so that the troops can be sent home where they belong with their friends and families. However, when considering what Socrates has to say about disobedience, justice and injustice, my initial position on being drafted to fight in Iraq would have to be re-examined. For example, in his Apology, Socrates maintains that "the only opinion that counts is not that of the majority (i.e., the U.S. military). . . but rather that of the. . . individual," but Socrates also declares that the individual "ought never do wrong. . . (and) it is always wrong to disobey the state. Hence, one should never disobey the state" (Kemerling, Internet). Thus, in the eyes of Socrates, it would be wrong to disobey the orders of the U.S. military in regards to being drafted and sent to Iraq despite having strong personal objections to the war. But then again, Socrates clearly believed that just behavior, in this case refusing to be drafted and deployed to Iraq, is better for human beings than injustice and that morality is justified because it creates happiness and well-being for the individual. Also, Socrates firmly held the belief that justice will inevitably lead an individual to choose good over evil, in this case, the good being my refusal to fight in Iraq and the evil being the draft notice. In the end, however, I would be forced to disobey the state and refuse to be drafted and deployed to Iraq in order to fight in a war which I personally view as immoral and unjust. This is very much in line