Theory & Philosophy
Socrates vs. Thrasymachus on Justice
Feb 7, 2024
Ancient Greek philosophers Socrates and Thrasymachus debate on justice, with Thrasymachus arguing that justice is determined by those in power and Socrates presenting a counter argument. They discuss contrasting views on justice, rulers' motivations, human behavior, and the objective or subjective nature of justice.
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Quick takeaways
- Justice is not subjective and determined by those in power, but an intrinsic good
- Acting in accordance with one's nature and soul leads to justice, happiness, and an ordered society
Deep dives
The Debate Between Socrates and Thrasi Macchus
The debate between Socrates and Thrasi Macchus in book one of Plato's Republic explores contrasting views on justice. Thrasi Macchus argues that justice is subjective and determined by those in power, whereas Socrates believes that justice is an intrinsic good. He dismantles Thrasi Macchus's arguments by highlighting that rulers often act against their own self-interest and that people perform tasks not solely for personal benefit. Socrates contends that acting in accordance with one's nature and soul leads to justice, happiness, and an ordered society. Justice, for him, is about maximizing everyone's well-being, not just serving the interests of the powerful.
