Patriotism According to Plato and Thoreau
Plato in "Crito" and Henry David Thoreau in "Civil Disobedience"appear to have very contrasting views relating to patriotism. Platoappears to favor patriotism only after loyalty to the gods, while Thoreaudisfavors patriotism in favor of individual common sense. Both authorshowever appear to support the idea of committing to actions that are best,or perceived to be best, for the individual in question. In "Crito" for example Socrates places his focus upon the afterlife.As the state has not acted directly against the gods, So
For Thoreau patriotism depends upon the state's actions in termsof an individual's code of ethics. If an individual disagrees with statepolicy, no patriotism should be required. Thus the state is seen asholding power over the individual as long as the laws created by the statedo not oppose the laws of the gods. The individual should thusenjoy a superior position to the state, and be able to make decisionsregarding what kind of government is required: "Let every man make knownwhat kind of government would command hisrespect, and that will be one step toward obtaining it. crates comes to theconclusion that the gods have willed him to be where he is. " (Thoreau) Patriotism according to Plato is then subordinate only to the will ofthe gods. To rebel,according to the philosopher, would be foolish. Socrates thus submits to his fate,because this would eventually be in his favor during the afterlife. " (Plato) Thoreau in contrast recommends fighting for what the individualperceives as justice. Thoreau recommends that an individual uses common sense ineither opposing or accepting state policies. Divinity and afterlife philosophy play no role inThoreau's argument, but like Plato, he is in favor of what is best for anindividual. Forhim a good life is not necessarily opposing evil, but rather obeying thelaws of the state, even if this results in evil: "Then we ought not toretaliate or render evil for evil to anyone, whatever evil we may havesuffered from him.
Common topics in this essay:
Civil Disobedience,
Plato Thoreau,
Thoreau Patriotism,
individual common sense,
favor individual,
gods thoreau,
individual common,
common sense,
gods socrates,
thoreau patriotism,
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