Plato 2

A detailed Summary of Plato 2

In my opinion, Socrates' analysis of human nature is very true as it ultimately brings us

his definition of justice. I agree with his theory of human nature but not his

social-political theory. In order to understand Plato's theory of human nature and his

social-political theory, we must examine each one of them closely. Plato believed that no

one is self-sufficient enough to live individually. Human beings are not created equally;

some of us are born wiser then the rest and some of us are just born stronger. For this

reason, only the select few (which would be the guardians) among us are supposed to

know what is best for the society and therefore becomes the ruler of everyone else. Our

reasoning, spirit, and natural wants are all part of human nature. In book 1 of The

Republic, Plato had several detailed discussions on the nature of justice with other

speakers in a dialogue form. The process of discussion involves Socrates' questioning,

arguing against various inadequate theories that attempts to define the true meaning of

justice. From the rich old man Cephalus, we learned that justice involves telling the truth

and repaying one's debts. However, Socrates points out that this definition of justice is

anywhere depends on the type of government they have in power. Socrates does not

positions of power use law to decide what is right. The kind of justice practiced

when each of these classes performs its own role appropriately and does not try to take

law maybe leads to its own disadvantage, therefore Thrasymachus's definition is also

philosophers are made kings. Guardians would need the virtue of courage to carry out

them to make more unjust choices. After that, Thrasymachus came up with his own

provide an adequate, satisfying definition of justice, Socrates tries to make an analogy

however, he argues that sometimes rulers make mistakes. In that case obedience to the

Socrates' social-political theory does follow his theory of human nature, he believed that

guardian. On Plato's view, it is vital for a society to exercise strict control over the

Approximate Word count = 1314
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: Miscellaneous

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