You have looked at the world of ancient Greece. You have surveyed some of the philosophers and their ideas. You have also learned about the Greek concept of “arete” (“virtue or excellence”) and how that quality of behavior became associated not only with many Greek heroes and protagonists of Greek plays but was also a component of the classical philosophers. You have read (or should have read) both the excerpts from Sophocles’ ANTIGONE as well as the information in the book about Socrates (including the excerpts from Plato’s CRITO) – you will need that information for this discussion.
REMEMBER:
Socrates spoke examining one’s life, using self-reflection and being anchored in unchanging absolute truths rather than being swayed by changing man-made opinions and/or laws. His actions led to his tried and condemned for violating those laws. Rather than retract his statements and change his beliefs, he chose to commit suicide.
Antigone was also charged with disobeying the laws of Creon, and her similar refusal to comply led to her eventual death.
Considering both situations, and using specific statements/examples from the book, post your own thoughts in response to these questions:
First: What do you feel is the most important statement Socrates makes about compliance to either laws or absolute truths (take your example from the material in the text) and WHY do you feel it is the most important? What do you feel is the most important statement made by Antigone about compliance to either laws or unchanging traditions (use an example from the excerpts in the book) and why do you feel it is the most important?
Second: Have you or someone you know ever been in a situation similar to the one faced by either Socrates or Antigone? If so, briefly state what it was. What was the outcome?
