Department
Political Science
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2015
Abstract
Plato's Minos presents a twofold argument. In part it is a facile defense of law directed at a typical Athenian citizen. On another level, it is a sophisticated teaching that ponders the question what is law for the would-be philosopher or student of Socrates. These arguments are made in three parts. First, it becomes clear that Socrates' interlocutor has been influenced or corrupted by the teachings of sophists. Second, Socrates attempts to reform the interlocutor's opinion of law by suggesting there is a science of law. Finally, Socrates argues that present day Greek laws are derived from the oldest Greek laws, which were revealed and taught by Zeus himself. With this twofold argument, Socrates counters his interlocutor's sophists' influenced opinion of law and reveals to the careful reader the complexity of the question: what is law?
Publication Title
Polis, The Journal for Ancient Greek Political Thought
Publisher Statement
Copyright 2015 by Polis, The Journal For Ancient Greek Political Thought, published by Brill Academic Publishers.
Available at: http://booksandjournals.brillonline.com/content/journals/10.1163/20512996-12340038
DOI
10.1163/20512996-12340038
Recommended Citation
Thomason, Steven, "Philosophy and Law: An Interpretation of Plato's 'Minos'" (2015). Articles. 62.
https://scholarlycommons.obu.edu/articles/62