he Republic is known to be one of Plato’s most popular philosophical written works, and is widely taught. Plato’s Republic isn’t a sort of novel, or even an essay, it is simply a drawn-out conversation and debate led by Socrates and his infinite interrogative questioning of the topic of justice. Socrates, Glaucon, Cephalus, Polemarchus, who is Cephalus’ son, and Thrasymachus are all involved in this rather lengthy conversation. It all takes place on their way home after a prayer to the goddess, and a festival procession. Socrates initiates the debate following a discussion with Cephalus, a well-known and well-respected elder. It is during this discussion when Socrates inquires about what Cephalus has learned in his life. Socrates expresses
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Thrasymachus demands that Socrates provide his own response on the topic at hand, rather than just asking interrogative questions about and dissecting the responses of the others. Socrates insists that he is interested in the same goals as the other men, which is to establish a clear definition of justice. He goes on to add, that by questioning the others, he is merely trying to understand their point of view. After some back and forth, Thrasymachus finally offers up his opinion on justice.
A ruler is the most powerful in a society, and rulers pass laws that are beneficial to themselves.
It is also just (for weaker subjects) to obey the orders that rulers set forth.
Therefore, justice is whatever is beneficial to the most powerful .
Justice, as defined by Thrasymachus, is the advantage, or what is more beneficial to a person of power, or the most powerful. In essence, he says that justice is what is in the best interest of the powerful party in a particular state or, people in power make laws to benefit themselves. According to Thrasymachus’ argument, justice is achieved through power and by persons in
Thrasymachus demands that Socrates provide his own response on the topic at hand, rather than just asking interrogative questions about and dissecting the responses of the others. Socrates insists that he is interested in the same goals as the other men, which is to establish a clear definition of justice. He goes on to add, that by questioning the others, he is merely trying to understand their point of view. After some back and forth, Thrasymachus finally offers up his opinion on justice.
A ruler is the most powerful in a society, and rulers pass laws that are beneficial to themselves.
It is also just (for weaker subjects) to obey the orders that rulers set forth.
Therefore, justice is whatever is beneficial to the most powerful .
Justice, as defined by Thrasymachus, is the advantage, or what is more beneficial to a person of power, or the most powerful. In essence, he says that justice is what is in the best interest of the powerful party in a particular state or, people in power make laws to benefit themselves. According to Thrasymachus’ argument, justice is achieved through power and by persons in