Justice In Platos The Republic Essay - 1010 Words

Justice In Platos The Republic Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote â€Å"One man’s justice is another’s injustice.† This statement quite adequately describes the relation between definitions of justice presented by Polemarchus and Thrasymachus in Book I of the Republic. Polemarchus initially asserts that justice is â€Å"to give to each what is owed† (Republic 331d), a definition he picked up from Simonides. Then, through the unrelenting questioning of Socrates, Polemarchus’ definition evolves into â€Å"doing good to friends and harm to enemies† (Republic 332d), but this definition proves insufficient to Socrates also. Eventually, the two agree â€Å"that it is never just to harm anyone† (Republic 335d). This definition is fundamental to the idea of a†¦show more content†¦Although he leaves no room for the common good in his definition, his life seems to allow for some common good. This is based on his profession as an educator, whose job it is to share knowled ge with others and on his willingness to remain a contributing part of the discussion going on at the house of Polemarchus To determine which of these two definitions gives a better account of the â€Å"good life† it is necessary to establish what this â€Å"good life† is. According to Socrates in the Apology it is the greatest good for a man to discuss virtue every day †¦ for the unexamined life is not worth living† (38d). What this statement implies is that to live a good life we must first question and ponder our own ideas of a good life and then do the same with other peoples ideas. In this sense Polemarchus’s definition of justice most closely fits the good life because he allows for a common good that would result from examining the ideas of others and the sharing of information. To further display that Polemarchus’ definition of justice gives a better account of the â€Å"good life† I put forth my own definition of the â€Å"good life†. I have come to conclude through the lessons life has taught me thus far that the â€Å"good life† is one composed of love and understanding. Love of one’s self because with this I can maintain a sound mind and body, but without it I cannot love others. Love of family becauseShow MoreRelatedJustice in Platos The Republic Essay527 Words   |  3 Pages Plato creates a seemingly invincible philosopher in The Republic. Socrates is able to refute all arguments presented before him with ease. The discussion on justice in Book I of The Republic is one such example. Socrates successfully refutes each different view of justice presented by Cephalus, Polemarchus, and Thrasymachus. Socrates has not given us a definitive definition of justice, nor has he refuted all views of justice, but as far as we are concerned in Book I, he is able to break down theRead MoreJustice and Morality in Platos Republic3158 Words   |  13 PagesJustice and Morality in Platos Republic Explain and evaluate the reasons given by Plato in the Republic, to support the contention that justice is superior to, or more beneficial than, injustice? What is the relationship between justice and morality? Introduction This essay discusses and clarifies a concept that is central to Platos argument in the Republic — an argument in favour of the transcendent value of justice as a human good; that justice informs and guides moral conduct. PlatosRead MoreJustice and the Soul in Platos Republic1031 Words   |  5 PagesOne of the core arguments of Book IV of The Republic lays out a psychological theory, according to which, the soul has three parts, or faculties, or types of motivation. 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