Antigone:  Ethical Norms Versus Civil Law

In preparation for our next Socratic Seminar, answer the following questions.

1.     Are families all divided by issues of war?  Give examples

2.     Does age matter in decision making?  Should the older person always have the power to make the final decision?

3.     Do family members owe loyalty to a family member who is considered a traitor?

4.     Is love ever used as a motivation or excuse for self-interest, arrogance or abuse?  Give examples and rationale.

5.     Which should take priority, obedience to family or country/laws?

6.     Think of examples from contemporary global affairs or other historical events which involve this same conflict—civil disobedience.  What is/was the justification or rationale for disobeying the civil law?

7.     Would you turn in a family member who committed a crime?

8.     What is a hero?  To the Greeks? To Americans?

9.     Are there honors due all the dead?

10. Which takes priority, moral laws or the laws of God, or laws of the state?

11. Which are more important, the laws of man or the laws of the god(s) religion?

12. Who decides what the moral laws or the laws of the state?

13. Should religion/religious beliefs play a part in a democratic government?

14. Language of life/death: Who should decide if a terminally ill patient should be allowed to be euthanized?  Do they have to be terminal?

15. Does government have the right to dictate what we read/do if they fund it?

16. Do you believe in the death penalty?

Does gov’t. have the right to legislate issues that enter the area of individual beliefs such as assisted suicide, abortion, or gay marriage?