Notes

The ancient texts we have read together thus far offer teachings on the relationship between
political authority, law, citizen, and person that have implications for the prospects of individual
freedom given seemingly perennial challenges of politics – such as competing claims to justice
and the proper ordering of politics towards those ends or the limits of human reason. Which of
these authors, in the texts we have read – Sophocles’ Antigone, four Platonic Dialogues (Minos,
Euthyphro, Apology of Socrates, Crito), and Aristotle’s Politics – best clarifies how the tension
between individual freedom and political authority should be understood, if not addressed? What
is the core of their teaching, and why is it superior to the other ancient treatments of this issue
that we have read and discussed in this class?
In your answer, please make specific and substantive reference to the works of all three authors
listed above. Equal consideration of all of the required readings from Sophocles, Plato, and
Aristotle is not strictly required, but the comparison necessary for the reasoned judgement asked
for in this paper requires substantial engagement with the ideas, arguments, and theories of each
author. Specific references to the contemporary political world to elucidate your argument are
welcome, but the focus and bulk of the essay should be an engagement with the philosophical
perspectives on offer in the texts listed above. [WRITING TIPS]