"The Republic" and the Elderly

Paper Summary:

This paper briefly discusses an argument between Socrates and Cephalus regarding the happiness of the elderly, which takes place in the first chapter of "The Republic" it shows how these philosophers quickly conclude that while wealth may offer some comfort; it takes more than wealth to make an elderly person happy.

From the Paper:

"From there, the subject quickly turns to justice. Polemarchus initially posits justice as giving a man that which he deserves. Through a series of very clever manipulations, however, Socrates befuddles Polemarchus and concludes before his auditors that the just man is a thief.
Thrasymachus, silent until now, suddenly bursts into the debate, angry with Polemarchus for yielding too easily but even more so with Socrates for his "ironic style." After his accusations have been answered, Thrasymachus poses his own definition of justice: the interest of the stronger. Both terms of this definition are quickly brought into question, and, enraged, Thrasymachus unleashes a long argument, asserting that injustice benefits the ruler absolutely. Socrates, composed as ever, refutes him, offering true rule as just rule, for it is conducive to harmony, unity, and strength."

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