Greek Philosophers

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that, in "The Republic", Socrates breaks down the common perception of justice through a logical series of questions and then suggests that justice at work would be more evident in the State. The author points out that Socrates believed that once justice in the state is determined, then the same virtues can be applied to the individual; therefore, what is justice in an individual will also be justice in the state. The paper relates that Aristotle claims that pride is not a vice but a major moral virtue: A proud man claims what he deserves, and nothing more, whereas, other sorts claim either more or less than is to their credit.

Table of Contents
Plato on Justice
Aristotle on Pride

From the Paper:

"Aristotle asserts that the proud man deserves the most, and as a consequence must also be of high moral fiber to deserve it. His logic dictates that the proud man is the most virtuous man of all, being brave in the face of danger and fair in his dealings with people. Again, Aristotle stresses that the proud man concerns himself mostly with matters of honor and dishonor. However, the only honors that have value to the proud man are those bestowed by good people- any other casual or excessive praise is undeserved, and therefore a dishonor."

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