Socrates and Civil Disobedience
The relationship between Civil Disobedience and Intent
It is highly unlikely that Socrates was engaging in some early form of civil disobedience because of the nature of the accusations brought against him, and due to the fact that the charges brought against him do not apply broadly to some societal injustice, but rather to him alone.
Recall that the Athenian court held Socrates on trial for the crimes of not believing in God and for corrupting the youth. Civil disobedience requires the intentional breaking of an unjust law in order to show how it unfairly legalizes difference against a minority.
Instead of escaping into exile when given several chances, Socrates’ choice to stay in Athens and abide by the decisions — however just or unjust — made from Athenian law indicates his strong belief in civil obedience.
Socrates even argues fervently against breaking any laws and against having willingly committed crimes in the face of his Athenian accusers.
The fact that Socrates’ death was a result of his extreme obedience to Athenian statues and court decisions, coupled with his philosophy on never committing crimes highlights the fact that he was not attempting to…
