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Law

Essay by   •  December 14, 2010  •  366 Words (2 Pages)  •  1,192 Views

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The history of law is the history of civilization. Law binds human society together, it is systems of regulations to guide human behavior prevent chaos and keep order. This created the origins of natural law which existed since the Babylonian times. Natural law is the standards of conduct derived from traditional moral principles it reflects equality, right to life and the truth. Many philosophers had their own views and ideas towards natural law, especially Socrates and Plato.

Socrates idea on natural law was that one had a duty to obey the law of the state; he believed that no one was above the law and should see them selves in that perspective. Socrates theory was, "one has the right to convince the state authorities through rational argument of the injustice of the law, if the attempts failed, he believed ones ultimate duty was to obey the law." Socrates theory promoted obedience to the laws of the states, and there were strict circumstances due to an individual's behavior. His theory stated that the society was supreme.

While Plato, who even viewed Socrates as one of his great mentors, believed that; "law should provide inner harmony and justice in the state, in the same way that reason produces inner harmony and justice in an individual's soul."

This created the Platonic idea of law which was premised on nature and the good, the ultimate purpose was a moral one. His theory stated that it was just to disobey an unjust law compared to his mentor, Socrates. Plato's philosophy didn't suggest rigid moral rules to be applied identically under all circumstances. This philosophy interfered with the principle, "everyone has to be equal no one is above the law." The Platonic idea of law allowed society to take advantage of his leniency, which promoted inequality within society creating chaos.

Even though both philosophers' ideas on law were similar they both had different perspectives

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