Student Question
In Plato's Republic, Thrasymachus suggests justice is the interest of the stronger, while Socrates rejects this. Which position do you defend and why?
Quick answer:
In Plato's Republic, Thrasymachus claims justice is the interest of the stronger, suggesting that those in power define justice to suit their needs. Socrates counters this by arguing that true justice serves the welfare of all, not just the rulers, and that injustice leads to ignorance and unhappiness. Defending Socrates' view is compelling as it aligns with ethical governance, promoting the well-being of society rather than the self-interest of the powerful.
The discussion about justice between Thrasymachus and Socrates is found in book 1, sections 3 and 4 of Plato's Republic. To get you started on this assignment, let's review the positions of both Thrasymachus and Socrates.
Thrasymachus first wants a fee if he is to define justice, but then he goes ahead and gives his opinion anyway. He says that justice is whatever the people in power say it is. Those who are strong and rule over others get to decide what is just and what the laws are, and people who are weak and ruled over must simply obey. In Thrasymachus's eyes, might makes right. Power is what counts.
Socrates, of course, takes issue with this definition. He argues that bad rulers can pass bad laws that do not serve their own interests or the interests of their subjects. A ruler's primary job is to preserve and...
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promote the interests of his subjects. He must, therefore, pass laws that are for their welfare. Therefore, Socrates implies, justice must have something to do with the welfare and interests of the people.
Thrasymachus then argues that people are only good because they are stupid and afraid of punishment. Strong people don't care, so they make their own rules, and really, he adds, injustice is actually best, because people who practice it are smarter and braver than those who do not.
Socrates corrects Thrasymachus on three points. The unjust person is actually less knowledgeable and wise than a just person. Further, injustice is a source of weakness rather than a source of strength, and it definitely does not bring happiness, but rather pain.
As you begin preparing this assignment, you will have to determine whether you agree with Socrates or Thrasymachus. This will become your thesis. Then, you must determine why you agree with one or the other. You might refer to the quality of the argument, its adherence to reason, and its reflection of life experience, for instance. Your reasons will form the road map for your paper.