The definition of what is just or not is one of the main focuses throughout Aristotle's Politics. In his writings, he details many different examples of justice, in his sense, and how a government should be formed based on that definition. Similarly, in a conversation between Socrates, Thrasymachus, and other ancient Greeks, Thrasymachus imposes an opinion of justice being the advantage of the stronger onto his friends. There are many problems with this argument and Aristotle demonstrates this throughout books one to four in Politics. Aristotle believes that justice is not the advantage of the stronger because he believes in a representative government where everyone is free and equal.
In his argument, Thrasymachus claims that justice is the advantage of the stronger because unjust acts are profitable and advantageous for oneself. This is demonstrated with a shepherd that raises sheep to be fat. Surely they are well fed by the shepherd but he is only fattening them to slaughter them. This argument’s core is based upon benefit for the individual and one does an act purely for selfish reasons, such that a criminal robs a store for the money and does not see the act as unjust in the moment. However, people are afraid of unjust acts because they are afraid of suffering from them. A more powerful person would use their power to their fullest extent and …show more content…
In a self sufficient city, the people want to live in peace and harmony while living beautifully, as there is a common advantage of justice in this (1279a 20). This city is an association of free people that strive to maintain their way of life through virtuous acts, such as helping the elderly and charitable. With justice as a political good of the city and equality throughout, when a citizen commits a just act they are rewarded through virtue and not entirely material
In his argument, Thrasymachus claims that justice is the advantage of the stronger because unjust acts are profitable and advantageous for oneself. This is demonstrated with a shepherd that raises sheep to be fat. Surely they are well fed by the shepherd but he is only fattening them to slaughter them. This argument’s core is based upon benefit for the individual and one does an act purely for selfish reasons, such that a criminal robs a store for the money and does not see the act as unjust in the moment. However, people are afraid of unjust acts because they are afraid of suffering from them. A more powerful person would use their power to their fullest extent and …show more content…
In a self sufficient city, the people want to live in peace and harmony while living beautifully, as there is a common advantage of justice in this (1279a 20). This city is an association of free people that strive to maintain their way of life through virtuous acts, such as helping the elderly and charitable. With justice as a political good of the city and equality throughout, when a citizen commits a just act they are rewarded through virtue and not entirely material