If people had no restraints on their power, then we wouldn’t have had such a thing as justice and the different between right and wrong. I strongly belive that the reason for our actions comes from our moral. We are suppose to know what is right and wrong. The way the Athenians acted is not right at all, even though it is another time then from right now, doesn’t that make it more ok. Even though they did gain the military advantage, they also had to take the consequences. After killing so many men, didn't they gain the trust of the Melians.
It is not really a way to stop a person in power from do as they want. But I think that in many cases the stronger should have a lot of power in order, as long as no one is harmed from their beliefs and actions.
The Athenians were at war with Sparta, trying to protect their way of life. Wasn't it the Melians who made the mistake, not submitting peacefully to the Athenians when they had the chance?
ReplyDeleteYou need to address the question: isn't the argument that the powerful should be nice simply the argument made by the powerless party? Aren't the Athenians right when they tell the Melians, "We act...knowing that you having our power would do the same"?