Plato's Conception of Justice as it Applies to Both the Individual and the State Flashcards
Distinguish between a rule-based & a virtue-based ethics.
Rule-based ethics focuses on adhering to moral rules or principles in order to determine the rightness or wrongness of actions. This approach emphasizes the inherent nature of certain actions or duties and their moral implications, regardless of the consequences that may result.
Virtue-based ethics centers on the cultivation of virtuous character traits and personal virtues as the foundation for ethical behavior. This approach emphasizes the development of moral character and the importance of embodying virtuous qualities.
Explain the relationship between justice and the good, and the 3 ways of being good.
Justice is a subset of the Good. All just things are good, but not all good things are just. Something can be said to be Good: 1. for its consequences only. 2. for its own sake. 3. both for its own sake and for its consequences.
Why be Moral?
Morality is based on inherent principles or rules that must be followed, and individuals should act morally because it is their duty to do so.
Acting morally is seen as promoting the greatest happiness or well-being for oneself and others. Individuals should be moral because it leads to positive outcomes and contributes to a more harmonious and flourishing society.
Being moral is viewed as an essential element of personal growth and self-fulfillment. According to this perspective, individuals should be moral because it contributes to the cultivation of virtues, such as honesty, compassion, and justice, which enhance one’s character and lead to a good and meaningful life.
What is the point of the story of the ring of Gyges with respect to being just/moral?
The story of the ring of Gyges revolves around a shepherd named Gyges who discovers a ring that grants him the power of invisibility. With this newfound power, Gyges is able to act with impunity and commit any actions without fear of being caught or held accountable. He ultimately uses the ring to gain power, wealth, and satisfy his desires, even resorting to unjust and immoral behavior.
The point of the story is to raise a fundamental question: If given the opportunity to act without consequences, would individuals still choose to be just or moral? It challenges the idea that people are inherently virtuous and would always choose to act morally if they could. The story suggests that without external constraints or fear of punishment, individuals may succumb to their base desires and act unjustly.
Plato uses the story to argue for the importance of justice and the intrinsic value of being moral. He suggests that true justice is not merely a product of fear of punishment or external constraints but arises from a genuine commitment to moral principles and the well-being of others. Plato contends that acting justly and living a moral life leads to inner harmony, personal fulfillment, and a balanced society.
What does Plato try to show concerning the kind of good justice is?
Justice (being moral) is good for its own sake and for its consequences. The just person is living the morally “good life” and is the happiest person.
Following Plato, define justice in general, and explain what Plato means by justice with respect to the individual person (the relationship between the 3 parts of the Soul) and with respect to the State (the relationship between the 3 classes).
Plato views justice as a state of harmony and balance. He suggests that justice is achieved when each part of the soul or each class in society performs its appropriate function without interfering with others. Justice ensures that each part or class contributes to the overall well-being and functioning of the whole.
For Plato, justice within the individual occurs when each part of the soul performs its proper function in a harmonious manner. Reason should rule over the other parts, with the spirited part supporting and aligning with reason, and desire being controlled and directed by reason. In this balanced state, reason guides decision-making, spirit upholds moral principles, and desire is directed towards what is truly good. When the three parts of the soul are in harmony, an individual achieves inner justice and a well-ordered soul.
According to Plato, justice in the state is achieved when each class fulfills its appropriate function without interfering with the roles of others. The rulers govern with wisdom and reason, the guardians protect and uphold moral principles, and the producers contribute to the economic welfare of the society. When each class performs its role harmoniously, the state functions in a just and well-ordered manner, reflecting the balance and harmony of the individual soul.
Identify the (4) virtues and how they relate to the soul and the three classes that make up the ideal state.
Wisdom = Wisdom is the virtue associated with the rational part of the soul and the rulers or philosopher-kings in the ideal state. It is the capacity for knowledge, understanding, and the pursuit of truth. The rulers, who possess wisdom, have knowledge of the Forms and govern the state based on reason and moral insight. Wisdom enables them to make just decisions and guide the society towards the ultimate good.
Courage = Courage is the virtue associated with the spirited part of the soul and the guardian or auxiliary class in the ideal state. It is the strength of character to face challenges, overcome fear, and act in accordance with moral principles. The guardians, who embody courage, protect the state, uphold moral values, and maintain order. Their courage enables them to defend the state against external threats and uphold justice within the society.
Temperance = Temperance, also known as moderation or self-control, is the virtue associated with the appetitive part of the soul and the producer class in the ideal state. It is the ability to control desires and seek a balanced and moderate approach to fulfilling one’s needs. The producers, who practice temperance, engage in economic activities to provide for the material needs of the society without excessive greed or indulgence. Their temperance ensures that desires are directed towards what is truly good for the state.
Justice = Justice is the ultimate virtue that encompasses and harmonizes all the other virtues. It relates to the entire soul and all three classes of the ideal state. Justice is the virtue that ensures each part of the soul or each class performs its appropriate function without interfering with others. It is the state of balance, cooperation, and harmony that leads to the well-being and flourishing of the individual and the society as a whole. Justice is achieved when reason governs, spirit supports, desire is controlled, and each class fulfills its role in the ideal state.
Why does Plato believe that the just person is more likely to be the happiest person?
Justice is intimately connected to the well-being of the individual. Plato argues that living a just life and cultivating virtues leads to inner harmony, alignment with the ultimate truth, and the realization of one’s true potential.
