The Theme Of Justice In Plato's The Republic
Justice
If a man was not subjected to law or punishment would he choose to do what is considered just? In Plato’s The Republic, Glaucon, one of Socrates’ students, states a common view on justice. Justice is simply a lesser evil when compared to the two extremes which are suffering injustice without power to retaliate and doing injustice without suffering consequences. According to Glaucon, all men are inherently unjust, and only do what is just when forced to do so by law. This view of justice can be seen throughout history when leaders, like Nero, do unjust actions for their own personal gain simply because they are free from any consequences.
Glaucon supports his view of justice with the story of Gyges and the golden ring. According to the story, Gyges, a simple farmer living in service to the king, came across a golden ring which possessed the ability to turn whoever was wearing it invisible. After learning of his newly acquired power, Gyges seduces the queen, kills the king, and takes the kingdom for himself. This …show more content…
At the beginning of Nero’s rule, he was said to be a fair Emperor, but as his power increased his regards to what is just or unjust vanished. Nero did not consider himself subjected to laws. He took advantage of his power and used it for his own personal gain, simply because there was no one with the authority to make him stop. He killed anyone he considered a threat to his throne including his own mother, Agrippina. Nero spent large amounts of the Empire’s money for his own artistic pursuits. He even took money from temples in Rome in order to build himself an extravagant villa. He was not forced to follow any laws because he was the Emperor; therefore, he chose to disregard laws and do as he pleased. He lived extravagantly and irresponsibly; he was not concerned with doing what was considered just or fair.[bonus
If a man was not subjected to law or punishment would he choose to do what is considered just? In Plato’s The Republic, Glaucon, one of Socrates’ students, states a common view on justice. Justice is simply a lesser evil when compared to the two extremes which are suffering injustice without power to retaliate and doing injustice without suffering consequences. According to Glaucon, all men are inherently unjust, and only do what is just when forced to do so by law. This view of justice can be seen throughout history when leaders, like Nero, do unjust actions for their own personal gain simply because they are free from any consequences.
Glaucon supports his view of justice with the story of Gyges and the golden ring. According to the story, Gyges, a simple farmer living in service to the king, came across a golden ring which possessed the ability to turn whoever was wearing it invisible. After learning of his newly acquired power, Gyges seduces the queen, kills the king, and takes the kingdom for himself. This …show more content…
At the beginning of Nero’s rule, he was said to be a fair Emperor, but as his power increased his regards to what is just or unjust vanished. Nero did not consider himself subjected to laws. He took advantage of his power and used it for his own personal gain, simply because there was no one with the authority to make him stop. He killed anyone he considered a threat to his throne including his own mother, Agrippina. Nero spent large amounts of the Empire’s money for his own artistic pursuits. He even took money from temples in Rome in order to build himself an extravagant villa. He was not forced to follow any laws because he was the Emperor; therefore, he chose to disregard laws and do as he pleased. He lived extravagantly and irresponsibly; he was not concerned with doing what was considered just or fair.[bonus