Questions Cephalus Definition Of Just Behavior example essay topic
Socrates notes that some would say that it is Cephalus' wealth that makes old age bearable for him. Cephalus says that this is not true, wealth can help someone be virtuous, but it isn't the deciding factor. Cephalus defines just behavior as paying one's debts and speaking truthfully, and notes that wealth does help in these things. Socrates questions Cephalus' definition of just behavior, but before they can discuss it Cephalus leaves, leaving his argument to Polemarchus. Polemarchus defends his father's definition, saying that justice is giving each what is owed to him -- treating friends well, and enemies badly.
Socrates finds numerous problems with this definition. First is that, since people are sometimes mistaken about who their friends are, it appears to endorse treating bad people well and vice versa. Second is that, since injustice breeds injustice, it says that it is the job of the just person to create injustice. Just as Polemarchus agrees that his initial definition is incorrect, Thrasymachus, another guest at the house, roars into the conversation; he announces, with some pomp, that 'justice is nothing other than the advantage of the stronger. ' In all cities, the rulers enact laws that are in their own best interests, and these laws are declared just, and so clearly justice is always at the service of the powerful. Socrates responds by saying that all crafts are in the service of that which they are set over -- medicine over a patient's health, ship-building over a ship and crew, etc.
It ought to then follow that the craft of ruler ship sets the ruler out for his subjects' benefit.