Ring Of Gyges Analysis

Why be morally good? This is a question that Mattison (2008) examines by explaining two key approaches to morality called the morality of obligation and the morality of happiness. Mattison makes the distinction between the two by using the story of the Ring of Gyges (p.22). Plato’s classic the Republic features a conversation between the characters of Socrates and Glaucon. Glaucon supports his claim that being morally good is not what everyone achieves to be by illustrating the shepard in the Ring of Gyges story. In the story a shepard finds a ring that gives him the ability to become invisible. With the power of invisibility the shepard can do whatever he wants without being fearful of repercussion for his acts. If he murders or rapes, he will not face legal consequences or have to face any judgements from his peers because they will never know he perpetrated the acts. The shepard in the story does commit hanus crimes. Glaucon argues that “ if there were two such rings, one found by a just person and another by an unjust person, the two people would not act any differently once they had the ring” (p. 22). In conclusion, Glaucon makes that argument that we all really desire in which we can get what we want, but we act morally good only as a compromise to fit into societal norms.
In opposition to this Socrates …show more content…
Teleology states that in everything we do as individuals we are striving to fulfill our own happiness. Three Classical Approaches to Ethics, the powerpoint, states that according to Aristotle, a good person uses their reason in order to live well. Aristotle’s ethics were altered by use in religion in order to state that “true human happiness is found in communion with God” (p.9). Happiness is found in God, and we can achieve true happiness through grace. Being a virtuos person elevates