Custom essays on Apology, Crito

Wise rulers
In this respect, Socrates place emphasis on the fact that rulers play a particularly important role in the life of the society because they are responsible for the maintenance of social stability and order within the society. The maintenance of legal norms and rules is crucial for the effective social relations and well-being of the society and of the each individual. Socrates argues that the best rulers are wise men, philosophers, who can implement successful policies aiming at the well-being of the society and each individual. In this regard, the progress of the society may be grounded on the obedience to laws and legal norms and rules. Basically, the development of the society implies that the well-being derives from the implementation of effective legal norms and rules and the obedience of all people to all rules and norms.
On the other hand, obedient citizens cannot live in happiness, if rulers fail to establish legal norms and rules that contribute to the well-being of the society. Therefore, Socrates argues that wise rulers should establish legal rules and norms which people should observe and respect to maintain the steady development of the society and to improve the well-being of the society.
People’s obedience to laws
In such a context, the obedience of people to laws that exist in the society is crucial. Otherwise, the laws, even if they are created and implemented by wise rulers, are useless and ineffective. What is meant here is the fact that Socrates stands on the ground that the society is a complex structure, where relationships between people are regulated by legal norms and rules, i.e. by laws. Therefore, if people fail to obey to laws, the well-being of the society is under a threat because the violation of laws leads to havoc and conflicts within the society.
At the same time, Socrates argues that laws and individual interests may often come into clashes and people can face the problem of choice between obedience to the law and individual well-being or happiness. Socrates believes that people naturally tend to choose the personal happiness instead of obedience to the law but the philosopher argues that such a view on laws is erroneous and it may lead to disastrous effects. What is meant here is the fact that the society consists of individuals. Each individual has his or her own needs and wants. Naturally, each individual attempts to satisfy his or her needs and wants. However, the satisfaction of one’s needs and interests may affect interests of other people to the extent that they may suffer from harmful actions of each other, when people attempt to meet their needs and wants.
In such a situation, Socrates argues that people should not put their interests above all because people should obey to laws in order to provide people with the possibility to live in harmony and happiness. Socrates stands on the ground that people should obey to just laws, even if the laws can cause them some harm. In fact, he argues that even if a person is sent to prison, he should not disobey to law escaping from prison but, instead, he should obey to the law. In such a way, they should obey to existing laws and, thus, maintain the right social order. In fact, the effective and good laws, according to Socrates, should be prior to individual needs and interests. Hence, Socrates concludes that individuals should obey to laws, if the laws are just and good.
Conclusion
Thus, taking into account all above mentioned, it is important to place emphasis on the fact that Socrates stands on the ground that laws are essential for the well-being of the society and each individual. Therefore, laws created by wise rulers should be respected by all people regardless of their personal interests.

References:
Bruell, C. (1994). “On Plato’s Political Philosophy”, Review of Politics, 56: 261-82.
Bruell, C. (1999). On the Socratic Education: An Introduction to the Shorter Platonic Dialogues, Lanham, MD: Rowman and Littlefield..
Grube, G.M.A.(2002). “Plato, Five Dialogues”. Hackett Publishing Company, Inc.
Hanson, V.D. (2001). “Socrates Dies at Delium, 424 B.C.”, What If? 2, Robert Cowley, editor, G.P. Putnam’s Sons, NY.
Taylor, C.C.W. (2001). Socrates: A very short introduction. Oxford: Oxford University Press.