Plato

Question 1

What is justice in individual and justice in state?

Answer 1

just individual is one in which the rational part of the soul governs the spirit and appetites and he is not swayed by the parts of his soul that make him unjust

Question 2

what is the ideal state for plato?

Answer 2

1. Rulers are philosopher kings who govern with wisdom and reason (rulers govern with common good in mind); they understand the true nature of justice
2. Citizens are divided into class based on their natural abilities and interests (Each person performs their role to the best of their ability)
3. Citizens work together for the common good

Question 3

Allegory of the cave

Answer 3

Those able to see beyond the shadows of the cave and understand the true nature of reality are like philosopher-kings who are best equipped to govern justly

Question 4

Myth of the metals

Answer 4

Does not assert that all individuals are inherently equal. Individuals possess different abilities that make them better suited for certain roles in society
Rulers = wise decision making + govern justly
Auxiliaries - protect the city
Farmers/artisans = provide material needs of the city

Question 5

Isn’t our goal to make everyone happy?

Answer 5

Our aim in founding the commonwealth is not to make any one class specially happy, but to secure the greatest possible happiness for the community as a whole - we though we would have the best chance of finding justice in a state so constituted. You must not press out to endow our guardians with happiness that will make them anything rather than guardians

Question 6

Reason as a proof of immortality

Answer 6

Reason is not subject to decay for it is the part of the soul responsible for knowledge, wisdom, and understanding.

Question 7

Myth of er

Answer 7

Teaches us importance of living a just and virtuous life in order to attain a favorable judgment in the afterlife as well as the idea of reincarnation whose purpose it to achieve wisdom and enlightenment

Question 8

Myth of gyges

Answer 8

Illustrate the corrupting power of absolute power; if people were given the opportunity to act without fear of consequence, they would act immorally.

Question 9

What is justice for plato?

Answer 9

Everyone ought to perform the one function in the community best suited to him. Justice means minding of one’s own business