Plato's Republic Why Do People Behave Justly?

Plato's Republic Why do people behave justly? Is it because they fear societal punishment? Or do they do so because it is good for them and thus society as a whole? Is justice, regardless of its rewards and punishments, a good thing in and of itself? How should justice be defined? Plato responds to such questions in the Republic and concludes that justice is worthwhile in and of itself.

In Book III of the Republic, Plato continues his discourse on "guardians" (373d-374e) as well as other roles that make up a society. In order to educate guardians so they can gain the necessary character traits, he notes the importance of music and poetry, with an emphasis on simplicity of style. These guardians will be motivated by beauty and the arts (401d-403c). Such studies of art and literature, along with physical training, will develop a just soul.

By stressing the importance of a balance between physical training in addition to intellectual learning, Plato is stipulating that his ideal city is not an other- worldly institution for gods or all mighty individuals, who are above being concerned about the problems and imperfections of daily life. Rather, they remain aware of a combination of harshness and gentleness (410a-412a) that exists around them. Plato also notes that some of the more educated and advanced guardians will become the society's rulers.

Those "who are the most guardingly of the guardians." These individuals will do what is best for the city, since they are doing what is best for themselves, in order to maintain a just and stable community and promote conditions that will protect the city from both external and internal negative forces. Plato also stresses the importance of division of labor. In addition to the guardians, are the producers, craftsmen, farmers and artisans and auxiliaries or warriors.

Each group must only perform its appropriate function, and each must be in the right position of power in relation to the others. Rulers must rule, auxiliaries must uphold rulers' convictions, and producers must limit themselves to exercising whatever skills nature grants them, such as farming, blacksmithing and painting. Justice is a principle of specialization -- a principle that requires that each person fulfill the societal role to which he/she is fitted and not interfere in any other business.

Critias In the Republic, Plato writes about the ideal city he would like to see. He is not speaking of a society that has already achieved this point of development. Rather, it is a city that with time and the recommendations he makes in Republic will be able to reach a stage where everyone is working together for a just, right community that is best for all concerned. This can only occur with the division of labor and each person fulfilling his/her particular role.

The important notion is that although this form of city appears difficult to attain, it can be done. Man has the capacity to establish this environment as long as the citizens are not unjust and dictatorial. In the unfinished work Critias, Plato narrates a story of ancient Athens and Atlantis. Although the narration says a couple of times that the story is true, the reader must question if this is indeed so.

Looking at this dilemma from a different perspective, one can say that Critias separates those readers who already accept Plato's comments in the Republic from those who are still questioning them. Critias provides the latter with an example of a just community in action, in case they need additional information to form an opinion. Plato is saying to the reader who understands what Plato is communicating in the Republic: Here is exactly what will happen if a society does not follow the lessons of Socrates and work towards justice.

And to those who still have not gotten the message, he is saying in jest, "then keep on looking for your Atlantis, but do not blame me if you never find it." Regardless of whether Plato is indeed telling a story he believes is true or an allegory for what he has written about in the Republic, the reader is faced with making a choice between two societies: one that appears idyllic, but may have reached its pinnacle and already be losing some of its perfection and one where the individuals are still working toward a just and meaningful existence.

The reader must understand that the gods will not make things easier for humankind or undo its mistakes. The citizens must do so with their own laws and separate functions and responsibilities. How does Critias relate to today's reader of the Republic? The question is whether individuals want to work toward making the present world more just. This is not easy, since life offers so many difficulties, complications and challenges, and there are those who will fight change regardless of what it will mean to them in the future.

Also, there exists the possibility that one's efforts toward improving society on a larger scale -- in addition to smaller ways each day -- is a moot point. Perhaps it is true that our society does not have the capacity to develop further and will eventually destroy itself. For other people, it.