Socrates and Justice

Term Paper # 99608

Literature > Greek and Roman
Philosophy > Ancient Greek

This paper analyzes the theme of justice in Plato's "Republic".

2,013 words () | 3 sources | MLA | 2007 United States

Paper Summary:

The paper evaluates the theme of justice within the dialogues that Plato brings forth between Socrates and the opposing factions of Thrasymachus and Glaucon. The paper explains the two aspects of Thrasymachus and Glaucon's objections to Socrates' notion of justice. The paper then describes how Socrates answers these arguments.

From the Paper:

"Socrates responds to Thrasymachus in a way that defies the notion of justice as being merely for those in power. Much to the disagreement of those that are arguing with Socrates, he argues that Thrasymachus's argument about injustice is being represented as a virtue. Furthermore, he argues that injustice cannot be a virtue, simply because it is devoid of wisdom. The idea around these objections to Thrasymachus's immoral stance on the issue relates to the idea of justice serving the greater good of the city-state, rather than the commonly held view that justice is for the rich or powerful."

Sample of Sources Used:

Annas, J. (1981). An introduction to Plato's Republic. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Nettleship, R.L. (2003). Lectures on the Republic of Plato. Honolulu, Hawaii: University Press of the Pacific.
Plato. (2005). "The Republic." Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Retrieved 10 October, 2006 from http://classics.mit.edu/Plato/republic.html