Plato s View On Justice - 1261 Words

Well-structured societies are built on a foundation of justice that brings unity, development, equality and respect between people. Throughout The Republic, Plato defines justice and its significance to the state and its individuals. In Book I, Thrasymachus and Socrates both provide their views on the definition of justice. The discussion takes place in Cephalus’s residence with his son Polymarchus. Through Plato’s dialogue, the definitions on justice by both Thrasymachus and Socrates will be discussed in this paper. Thrasymachus, a sophist, teaches the art of persuasion. He is unpleased with Socrates remarks on justice and accuses him of never clearly responding to questions. Thrasymachus considers moral statements as sham and charges a fee for clarifications. The Sophists had a reputation of being boorish and dishonest individuals who taught specious methods of wining arguments. Thrasymachus’s view is that justice is only in the interest of the stronger party. Those in power determine justice and the weak have to succumb to it. Whereas, Socrates believes that being just pays better because it provokes virtue, goodness and happiness. The just and wise are able to live a life in harmony and reform society. Thrasymachus s first argument is that justice is to the advantage of the stronger and its lawmakers determine the kind of state that is to rule, thus the dominant class always prevails. People are selfish and interested in fulfilling their pleasures and self-interests.Show MoreRelatedPlato s View On Advantage And Justice1212 Words   |  5 PagesPlato in book 1 is not himself, he is potrayed by another character since plato is the author of book 1. The word Advantage throughout book 1 to demonstrate how justice can be an advantage for some and a disadvantage for others. According to Plato this is what Justice symbolizes, therefore this statement mentioned above is fully justified. 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