Republic Assignment 3/17

A) In your opinion, is Polemarchus definition of justice, derived from the poet Simonedes, an improvement from his father’s definition?

No, I actually dissagree with what Polemarchus thinks of justice. Cephalus' thinking on justice is much better, telling the truth and paying your debts is a lot better way to live your life than to spend your whole time hurting your enemies.

B) What is Simonides definition of justice? Has Polemarchus interpreted him correctly?

Simonides defines justice as giving everyone their dues. Polemarchus interprets this as helping your friends and hurting your enemies.

C) What problem does Socrates see in the phrase, “helping one’s friends and harming ones enemies”? Why is this not an accurate definition of justice?

Socrates points our that a just man would never hurt a man whether it be friend or enemy for that would not be a just thing to do.

D) What lesson do you think Socrates/Plato is trying to prove by having Polemarchus give in to Socrates when his father (Cephalus) would not?

I think that Socrates is trying to prove that wisdom and knowledge grows with age.

E) Whose argument do you find more convincing, Polemarchus or Socrates? Why? (This should be a longer response, short paragraph, about 5 sentences).

In my opinion, Socrates has a better argument with more reason backing up his assertions. He gives examples such as when he referred to a horse, he said that by hurting a horse you are not making it any better, this is the same when you hurt a person. Socrates understands that hurting people is and should not be part of justice. Above all, Socrates is a philosopher and I tended to listen and trust him more than Polemarchus who isn't and who doesn't back his opinion up with fact.