In the Apology and the Crito, is Socrates saying one should always obey the state no matter what? What argument is he making in the Crito by having the law speak rather than saying those words himself? How does what the law says connect with with what Socrates says about obedience to the state and conscience in the Apology? How does it connect with his own life and actions? When should one obey the state? How would Henry David Thoreau, who refused to pay his taxes because they would be used in part to support slavery and who briefly went to jail for his choice, answer Socrates? Would he urge Socrates to escape or to stay in jail? Do you agree with either or both of these thinkers on when a person should obey the state? Why or why not? Illustrate your answer with arguments from the Apology, the Crito, and Civil Disobedience.
