Answer to Question #276598 in Philosophy for Valeryia

Question

Socrates imagines that the Laws of Athens visit him in

prison. They remind Socrates that he made a contract with

them. What things do the Laws promise to provide

Socrates?

In return for all the things that the Laws promise, what

must Socrates do in order to honor his part of the

contract?

Answer 1

The laws have given him birth, have elevated him and educated him, and have shared the wealth of Athens with him and fellow citizens. All this the Laws do for their inhabitants before they even reach adulthood. Therefore, Socrates requires-a virtually absolute obedience to the rule of law based on the ground that such law respects the legal scheme of the city.