The Philosophy Of Plato s Republic - 973 Words

Why Be Moral Plato is one of histories most prominent philosophers who studied under the philosopher, Socrates. He is well known for his book, Republic, which presents different philosophical concepts including the concept of justice and how it is always in the individual’s best interest to be just. In this book we meet Thrasymachus, a Sophist, who has an opposing view on the value of justice. Plato’s notion of justice conflicts with that of Thrasymachus and possible consequences of morality are contentment and trust. Justice, during the time of Plato, was different than how we use the term in our present day. Instead of concerning justice for others in a communal way, it was concerned with justice on a personal level as well as a communal level. The sense of justice for the individual could be expressed within a community. Justice was a way to express being a moral person and could be translated as a sort of righteousness (Clark, Poortenga, 2003). Thrasymachus challeng es morality in the Republic as he speaks to the character, Socrates. He believes that justice should benefit the individual and originate from a place of self-interest. In his view, justice is what brings a person wealth, power, and fame by taking advantage of other people (Clark, Poortenga, 2003). He did not believe that it would benefit the individual to be just, or moral since it did not guarantee the wealth, power, or fame. His viewpoint comes his stance in the Sophist tradition. Sophists were known forShow MoreRelatedPersonal Philosophy : Al Farabi1684 Words   |  7 PagesAl Farabi’s philosophy was heavily influenced by Greek philosophy just like how western philosophy was influenced by Greek philosophy. Specifically, Aristotle, Plato, and Socrates were the main Greek influencers of Al Farabi. Al Farabi as well as Ibn Sina have been recognized as Peripatetics or rationalists. The best known Arabic source for Al Farabi s political philosophy is his work titled The Virtu ous City. In many of Al Farabi’s philosophical works the practical use of philosophy is a majorRead MoreThe Great Philosopher728 Words   |  3 Pages2017 The Great Philosopher Plato Plato is known as one of ancient Greece’s greatest philosophers. Plato was born in Athens, Greece during 428 BCE. Some people believe that Plato s real name is Aristocles, if in fact this is true he would have received this name from his grandfather. Historians believed that Plato had two full brother, one sister, and one half brother. They are unsure if Plato was the eldest. They believe that he was since he inherited his grandfather s name, and tradition was thatRead MorePlato, An Ancient Greek Philosopher1458 Words   |  6 Pages Plato, an Ancient Greek Philosopher by Carly Rittenmeyer Bible and the Ancient World Spring 2015 Plato, a Greek Philosopher, is known for his writings that impacted people in the Ancient Greek society. He was a free thinker and lived in a free city, Athens. He was taught by multiple teachers including Socrates who was frequently mentioned in his writings as the central character. Plato’s novel, The Republic, influenced the idea of government and showsRead MoreThe Republic By Plato And The Prince By Machiavelli1617 Words   |  7 PagesAlthough written nearly two centuries apart, The Republic by Plato and The Prince by Machiavelli offer important views on political philosophies of rulers. Plato writes of a perfect society where status as ruler is naturally selected through innate abilities. These abilities are used to sustain the society, better it, and preserve it. Machiavelli writes of a society where anyone can be a prince; which for our purposes is a synonym for ruler, if they follow his instructions. These instructions areRead MoreThe Ideal Society As Suggested B y Plato993 Words   |  4 PagesThe ideal society as suggested by Plato is composed of three classes: the producers, the auxiliaries, and the guardians. The producers are the craftsmen, farmers etc.; the auxiliaries are the warriors/soldiers; and the guardians are the rulers. This hierarchy places the rulers at the top of the food chain followed by the auxiliaries with the producers at the bottom. In this society, each group is required to perform is appropriate function and only that function. It is the rulers’ job to rule,Read MoreJustice Is The Legal Or Philosophical Theory Of Justice1503 Words   |  7 PagesJustice is the art which gives to each man what is good for his soul. Discuss. â€Å"Justice is the art which gives to each man what is good for his soul† and that is simply to say that justice is identical with, or inseparable with philosophy. (Cahn, Political Philosophy, 1-136) Justice is an order and duty of the parts of the soul; it is to the soul as medicine preserves the health of the body. In its current and cardinal definition is a just behavior or treatment; a concern for justice, peace, andRead MoreA Life Sketch of Plato and His Works905 Words   |  4 PagesGreek philosophers, Plato must remain the best known of all the Greeks. The original name of this Athenian aristocrat was Aristiclis, but in his school days he received the nickname Platon (meaning broad) because of his broad shoulders. Plato was born in Athens, Greece to one of the oldest and most distinguished families in the city. He lived with his mother, Perictione, and his father, Ariston (Until Ariston died.) Born in an aristocratic and rich family, Plato s childhood was indulgedRead MorePlato And Aristotle s Views On Life794 Words   |  4 PagesAnalogy of Plato and Aristotle Aristotle and Plato were each great intellectual however their views on life are totally different. Plato was born round the year 428 BCE in Athens. (Plato) Plato was then introduce to was introduced to philosophy by Socrates in 469-399 B.C.( Plato)Who then became is mentor, however Socrates died , however shortly after his mentor die he had an an inspiration to induce his into politics this then lead him to be educated in Mediterranean. Plato then startedRead MoreSocrates s View Of Justice1676 Words   |  7 Pagesfor the first time to definitions, Plato, accepting his teaching, came to the conclusion that it applied to something other than the sensible world: the common definition, he reasoned, could not apply to any of the sensible, since they were always changing,† (Guthrie). Socrates was constantly wrapped up in thought about how the mind works, and of course, how and why the mind changes. These ideas strengthened many of the arguments that Socrates makes in Republic books one through seven. Some of theseRead MoreMachiavelli Plato Rebuplic Prince Comparison1419 Words   |  6 PagesHaà ¾im Cihan Demirkà ¶prà ¼là ¼, 20303433 Essay Question: Compare the Characteristics of the true guardians, as described by Plato (Republic, bk VII, pp.158 #8211; 61, 484b #8211; 487e) with the characteristics of the rulers, as described by Machiavelli (The Prince, ch.15, pp. 47 #8211; 49 and ch. 18, pp.54f). What is the most important difference between the two accounts? In your view, which account is better, and why? For centuries, every ruler created their own principles and rules and somehow