Socrates' Democracy and Justice

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that Socrates and his disciples maintained that democracy was not the best form of government because the principles of equality and liberty for everyone were flawed since they gave unwise and uneducated men the right to vote and make important decisions. The author points out that, according to Plato's "Republic", justice is a virtue, which must be exercised in its true spirit to bring about good. The paper concludes, using the grossly unjust case of famous boxer Hurricane, if justice is to be exercised by wise men, it must be seen as a virtue that focuses on extracting good out of any situation.

From the Paper:

"Justice according to Cephalus was telling the truth and repaying what one receives. Thrasymachus felt justice was the rule of the stronger. Both these views were harshly discredited by Socrates whose version of justice was based on lofty principles of wisdom and virtue. Thrasymachus' view of justice is actually based on injustice. He felt that the people who did not take into consideration the welfare of others were happier and could lead a successful life. How this could be called justice is simply beyond many. Socrates maintained that justice was something good which when exercised must bring out good. In other words, justice should focus on the common good of everyone and must leave the world a better place when exercised."

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