Dialogues · Question
How does Dialogues develop the theme of Law, Custom, and Legislation?
Answer
Dialogues by Plato develops Law, Custom, and Legislation across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
The book investigates the origins of laws and government, the relationship between written law and unwritten custom, and the ideal legislator's role in creating a harmonious and virtuous society.
The conventionalist vs. naturalist debate mirrors broader questions about social and legal norms.
The discussion of legislators and the correctness of names parallels the idea of laws being either natural or conventional.
The chapter touches on how political freedom and national character influence literary excellence, and how their absence contributed to decline.
Evidence in the book
- Cratylus
The conventionalist vs. naturalist debate mirrors broader questions about social and legal norms.
- Cratylus
The discussion of legislators and the correctness of names parallels the idea of laws being either natural or conventional.
- On the Decline of Greek Literature
The chapter touches on how political freedom and national character influence literary excellence, and how their absence contributed to decline.
- Euthyphro
The case involves Athenian laws regarding murder and impiety, and Euthyphro's action challenges traditional family loyalties and legal customs.
- Crito
The dialogue explores the social contract between the citizen and the state, emphasizing the duty to obey laws even when they are applied unfairly.
- Crito
The dialogue personifies the Laws of Athens, emphasizing the citizen's duty to obey them as a binding social contract.
- Book II
Justice is described as a compromise enforced by law, arising from the inability to do injustice with impunity.
- Critias
Critias details the laws of Atlantis inscribed on a pillar of orichalcum, the oath-taking rituals, and the judicial procedures among the ten kings.
