¶ … Justice Given by the Character Thrasymachus in Plato's Republic Is Incorrect
The objective of this study is to prove that the theory of justice given by the character Thrasymachus in Plato's Republic, using only Plato's arguments in Books 1 and 2 is incorrect.
The theory of justice given by Thasymachus in Plato's Republic holds that justice "is another's good and the interest of the stronger, and that injustice is a man's own profit and interest, though injurious to the weaker." (Jowett, 2012) Book 2 relates that justice is "sometimes spoken of as the virtue of an individual and sometimes as the virtue of a State." (Jowett, 2012) Justice is related in Book 2 of Plato's work to be formulated in the mind of the individual through experiences and information gained in the society and educational institutions in the individual's life. Thrasymachus claims that justice is the advantage of the stronger individual over the weaker individual.
Three Arguments of Socrates
Socrates has three arguments that he uses against the claim of Thasymachus. First Socrates forces Thrasymachus to make the admission that the idea he supports is such that supports injustice and presents it as a virtue. From this view, life is held to be an ongoing competition in gaining more possessions, power, and money and the most successful in gaining these things is the one who possesses the most virtue. Socrates then analyzes the reasoning concluding that injustice is contrary to wisdom, which is most decidedly a virtue, and therefore cannot be held as virtue. Socrates then poses a new argument and holds that justice is related to adhering to certain rules that result in a group acting in unison. Finally, it is argued by Socrates that justice is a virtue possessed by the individual's soul.
II. Justice
The original search of Plato was for justice however, justice does not appear in the list of virtues named by Plato. Justice is however, held as being inherently part of these virtues and applicable to these virtues. Plato holds that reasons should be in control assisted by spirit. Reasons or philosophers and spirits or warriors are held by Plato to be those who function as the guardians in the ideal state of Plato. This results in each interest being properly satisfied and everyone in society being in possession of what is theirs to possess. Unlimited desire is identified by Plato as being the root of all evils and because this is the case Plato believes that the guardians and philosophers should exist in poverty so as to avoid any temptations since they are the appointed guardians of justice.
You’re 83% through this paper. Sign up to read the full paper.
Sign Up Now — Instant Access Already a member? Log inAlways verify citation format against your institution’s current style guide requirements.