Plato's Republic Book 1
Socrates 2nd argument
We often do not know who our friends and enemies are. We may treat those whom we only think are our friends or enemies well or badly
Socrates 4th argument
What happens if you confuse your enemies and your friends
Polemarchus definition of justice
Give good to friends, harm to enemies
Thrasymachus' responses to Socrates
A true ruler does not make mistakes
Where does Polemarchus end up compared to where he started?
Complete 180. Ends up arguing that the just man will never harm anyone.
Thrasymacus
Enraged by Socrates ideas, not interested in rational arguments, baited by Socrates to give his own opinion
Socrates 4th response to Thrasymachus
Everything has a function. How a person should live their life. Purpose of life is to thrive and flourish.
What is Cephalus like?
Feels guilty, Sacrifices to gods, Made money as arms dealer
Socrates challenge to Polemarchus
If you become harmed you become less of a person
Socrates 3rd response to Thrasymachus
Injustice produces faction and hatred. Justice produces co-operation and friendship. A true ruler does what is best for everyone and not himself. Complete injustice is more profitable than complete justice. Unjust people are good and wise.
Thrasymachus' definition of justice
Interest of the stronger
Socrates 3rd argument
It is not just to treat anyone badly even an enemy
Socrates challenge to Cephalus
Sane friend will never give weapons to insane friend
Socrates 1st argument
Skill Analogy. A doctor is good at healing people but also knows how to make people sick
Opening Scene
Socrates is stopped by a servant and told to wait for Polemarchus. Polemarchus' father Cephalus wants to see Socrates about something. Socrates wants to argue/reason about letting him go on his way, but Polemarchus says what if we don't listen.
Cephalus definition of justice
Speak the truth and repay what one has borrowed
Socrates 1st response to Thrasymachus
Starts out by agreeing with him. Both agree justice is something good for a person and justice demands subjects obey rulers. Unjust man gets more that the just man. Injustice is the key to happiness.
What is Thrasymachus meant to represent?
The younger generation of this time period
Socrates 2nd response to Thrasymachus
There is a lot at stake. How can each person live fully? Why is justice so important? There is as much competition to be ruler as there is to not be ruler. People are physically alive but morally dead.