Thrasymachus Vs Socrates Analysis

1055 Words5 Pages
In Book 1 of ‘The Republic’ by Plato, Thrasymachus puts forth a new definition of what justice is after both Cephalus’ and Polemarchus’ definitions were successively countered by Socrates. Socrates, as is expected, counters Thrasymachus’ argument. While Thrasymachus argues the traditional sophist view to do away with justice seeing as it hinders one’s opportunities, Socrates poses as the opposition and counters all of his opponent’s arguments. According to Thrasymachus, justice is “the advantage of the stronger”. The stronger being he who has more power and/or riches. He argues that when acting justly, you are not benefiting yourself but rather others. In other words, justice is not universally beneficial; it helps only a select few rather. Thrasymachus points out that if you are not…show more content…
Thrasymachus also acknowledges that those who act unjustly will be able to become the powerful and strong rulers of society since they have the courage to go against/bend the law and be able to outthink weaker men. The unjust man is able to cheat on his taxes, embezzle money, and deceit the public since he is able to take advantage of the weak. On the other hand, those who have non-important roles in society are weak since they are act in accordance with the laws (justly) and are too cowardly to stand up to the strong man. This is seen when you look at rulers of an area/country, or its government. The rulers of society are in charge of creating laws for all citizens of the state, but when creating these laws, they make sure that they insure self-advancement or at the very least the laws do not harm their creators. This can be seen in even our modern day democratic governments by that in
Show More
Related

  • Thrasymachus Vs Socrates Analysis

    1014 Words  | 5 Pages

    advantageous for the stronger. Thrasymachus and Socrates argued back and forth about this topic, until Socrates provided full justification that justice is not what is advantageous for the stronger. Thrasymachus argued throughout the book of Plato that justice is what is advantageous for the stronger, which Socrates does not agree with. Socrates believes that the person who is practicing a certain craft, practices correctly when the subject receives the benefit of the craft. Socrates provides justification

    Read More

More about Thrasymachus Vs Socrates Analysis

Open Document