3/20 Republic Assignment

1. Notice that our reading on Thrasymachus is divided into two parts. The first part is entitled – “First Statement and Criticisms”. In this first part, what are Socrates’ main argument(s) against the idea that justice is whatever the strong (i.e. the government) says it is?

Socrates says that if you are following whatever the stronger party says is right even if it is not in their interest, then it is right to go against it.

Then Socrates says that the stronger party is always in the interest of others just like a doctor to its patients, or a teacher to its students.

2. In the second part – “Second Statement and Final Refutation” – what are Thrasymahcus’ two main points and what are Socrates’ two main points in response?

Homie T's first point was that injustice can sometimes be just as good as justice

-Socrates says that injustice has punishments and penalties

Then he says that justice is what is good for another person.

-Socrates says that this contradicts his earlier statement that rules are made by the strong for the strong.

3. In your opinion, is it ever right to harm somebody? Why or why not? What would Socrates and/or Thrasymachus say in response to your answer?

I think that it is okay to harm someone but only in defence or if it is absolutly necessary, not over something unimportant. I believe this because justice is a way to aviod violence or conflict. Therefore before harming another you should try to find a peaceful way to settle it but if that cannot happen then you will need to resort to harm.

I think that Socrates will dissagree with my stance and that Polemarchus would very much encourage it because his stance on justice is to help your friends and to harm your enemies.