Lecture Notes - Antigone, Natural Law, and Justice Concepts (Chapters 1–8)

A set of QUESTION_AND_ANSWER flashcards drawn from the video notes, covering equity, right vs. wrong rules, higher law, natural law vs. legal positivism, and thematic interpretations of Antigone.

What, according to the notes, is Equity when applying a good rule?

Equity is when applying a good rule, we're doing injustice.

Why would punishing someone for missing class because they were hit by a bus be unjust?

Because extraordinary circumstances (being hit by a bus) mean applying the rule would be unjust.

In Chapter 2, why is Creon's edict considered correct and Antigone's opposition seen as opposing a good rule?

Creon’s edict is presented as correct, so Antigone’s opposition is opposing a good rule.

Why are there dead bodies at the end of the play, according to the notes?

There are dead bodies because a right thing—a good rule—governs the state.

What does the phrase 'Because I said so' signify in family authority?

It signifies the authority of the parent to command within the family.

What is the key difference the course aims to teach between natural law and legal positivism?

The difference between natural law and legal positivism.

How is legal positivism defined in the notes?

Legal positivism is a rule enunciated to achieve some goal; not necessarily tied to a particular theory of law.

What example from the Ohio code is used to illustrate that positive laws depend on natural law insight?

The section on willful killing of others in Ohio's criminal code.

What is a central natural law insight about killing?

It's wrong to kill other human beings.

How does Priyant’s (Creon’s) edict reflect natural law behind not burying Polynices?

The edict mirrors the natural-law idea that unburied bodies endanger others and are wrong.

What is the relationship between positive laws and natural law as described in the notes?

Positive laws depend on natural-law insight.

Why does the notes argue Creon is not necessarily a bad guy in Chapter 6?

Creon is presented as a good guy; the conflict arises from competing good rules, not from him being inherently bad.

What common misconception about Antigone is challenged in Chapter 6?

That Antigone is a great heroine simply for opposing the state; the notes argue this isn’t what inherently makes her good.

When is pride considered appropriate according to Chapter 6?

Pride is appropriate when the object of pride is something genuine and good.

What example is used in Chapter 7 to discuss the proper use of pride?

Risinger’s home run and pride in achieving something with talent.

What communication issue is highlighted in Chapter 7?

The challenge of making others understand what you mean; miscommunication when they don’t.

What does the speaker claim about Spanish class at the conclusion of the notes?

The speaker says they know what’s happening in Spanish class and aren’t worried.