Moral Authority of the State
Introduction
When it comes to the question of individual responsibility and duty to the state and per the law, there are instances where it may be contrary to moral values. It is noted that each citizen has to obey the law, but the question comes in if it is against their morality. Socrates raises the question of the moral authority of the state as he views the state as a moral community that is linked by the association of virtuous people to have common justice and happiness.
Thesis
In essence, individuals know the comprehension of the moral principles that drive a society; thus, justice becomes a product of individual adherence to morality.
Socrates argues that the formation of knowledge and comprehension virtuous behavior is created through the development of habit as well as education. Thus the basis of justice within the community depends entirely on the moral principles of individual that is expressed by their comprehension of moral principles. Socrates notes that the underlining foundations of obedience citizens doing their part to ensure the maintenance of law and order. In other words, the role of a citizen entails relying on their independent powers of judgment and reasoning. Civil obedience is the key element that brings about justice in society; thus it becomes the duty of each citizen to use their knowledge to live within the laws of the community. Evil or lawbreaking is seen as a result of ignoring good, while morality becomes a consequence of knowing.
On the other hand, the argument that justice within the community is brought on by the moral behavior of the citizens is met by a counter that morality does greatly depend on the state. Socrates argues that the realization of justice within the society is brought about by the state, creating laws that lie within the notions of morality and justice. Through individuals require education and knowledge to maintain justice, it is the role of the state to provide this education as well as other social services that would persuade the citizens to behave. The citizens are offsprings of the state; thus, the state must ensure morality by creating laws that citizens can follow to ensure justice.
In conclusion, justice in society is determined by the knowledge of virtue that each citizen has. But the state has a role in providing education that would allow citizens to maintain justice.