Synopsis
A Platonic dialogue in which the imprisoned Socrates refuses to escape, arguing that one must not return injustice for injustice and owes obedience to the laws.
Core passage idea
Paraphrase · Public domainHaving lived under and benefited from the city's laws, Socrates argues he has tacitly agreed to them and may not break them merely to save himself.
It frames one of the earliest arguments for political obligation grounded in tacit consent and the wrong of returning harm for harm.
To avoid a bubble
Pair with Henry David Thoreau, Civil Disobedience.
Reading note
Read it as a tight argument, pressing on whether Socrates's reasoning about consent and the laws truly holds.
Best paired with
Henry David Thoreau, Civil Disobedience