The Republic of Plato consists of a dialogue between many great philosophers that attempts to answer a couple of very important questions, one of which is what is justice? As the book moves from one argument to the next, there seems to be an ongoing debate of what exactly is meant by justice and the just man. In Book IV, we finally begin to see essential progress made in regards to the elements of a just city.
They are able to determine that a just city consists of three social classes, the Guardians (Ruler’s Of the City), Auxiliaries (Protectors Of the City), and Producers (Working class of the City). The combination of these three societal classes working together can create a truly just city that looks to make all happy, not just one social class. With that said. Book IV goes on to determine the connection between the just city and the just man. As they have already determined that a just city consists of “parts” of a society, the just individual also consists of “parts;” “parts” of the soul.
Socrates is able to identify the first part of the soul as the rational part that yearns for truth, the second part of the soul as the spirited part that illustrate honor, and a desiring part of the OLL that yearns for everything else, such as food, drink. Money and sex. Socrates feels that the relationship between the parts of the soul and the parts of the city reflect hove justice is had and how justice should be maintained, Socrates first aspect to the just monomaniacs to being rational.
He feels that being rational is the essential part of an individual, and thus it rules over spirit and desire, One who is rational is able to reason to make proper decisions that are of the best interests otherness’s and the society as a uphold It is the “calculative” part of he soul that allows for individuals to weigh-out their options before making decisions. It requires a person to become aware of what is happening around them and use their awareness to make proper decisions that are of the utmost intelligence.
Being rational is sometimes difficult, for it takes a person who is strong enough to stand up for what they feel is right and act upon it in a way that Will promote a sense Of change. One way the rational person succeeds is by also attaining the “spirit” part of the soul. Claims that having spirit becomes an essential part Of the soul in regards to how the rational individual acts. There are many people who may be considered “rational,” but effete do not have the “spirit” to speak up in order to make logical decisions, their ability to reason is ineffective.
Therefore, one who attains the ability to be spirited in instances where reasonable decisions are to be Madeira normally the ones who are able to promote change for the betterment of all. The spirited part of the soul is capable officiating independently from reason, but it is usually not nearly as effective. In a soul ruled by spirit, for instance, the entire soul aims at achieving honor rather Han justice. The spirited part of the soul lacks the essential aspect of reasoning and therefore the decisions being made through “honor are not always the most intelligent.
When the soul acts in unison through reason and spirit it testers the ability to formulate actions and decisions that are ultimately going to be beneficial to all man-kind, soon leading to a just world. The last part of the soul that has not yet been mentioned is the desiring part, or the “appetite part ” Here we see the soul acting on behalf of its own wants and desires. The desiring part f the soul gives the individual an inclination to do something and then passes that desire on to the rational part of the soul minored to determine whether to do the particular action or not.
What eve desire is not always What is rational, and therefore it is important to note that the ability to reason is what keeps the soul from continually doing unstitching. The desiring part aims at fulfilling our appetites, such as food, sex, material goods, and money. Without proper training, the soul sometimes finds itself living Off ones desires rather than the well-being of others. Leading to an unjust world. In a just soul, the soul is geared entirely toward fulfilling whatever knowledge-loving desires reason produces.
When all three parts of the soul are acting in harmony with one another, justice is attained. The rational part of the soul is the most important because it puts things in perspective, It allows for one to make the proper decisions that seem to be the most logical and promote the most well-being for all. The rational part leads to the spirited part because being rational allows for one to be more confident in their decisions and thus allow for more courageous actions. When these two parts are working together, it leads to desires that promote a life of happiness and justice for all.
Some of the inner qualities of a just individual become essential in the performance of just actions, Wisdom is one of the main qualities of an individual. A person is wise when they have the ability to reason and make decisions on the basis of rational considerations. People of wisdom do not act on instinct, but rather think things out and thus make smart decisions. Many are full of wisdom but lack the courage to speak out about their thoughts and insights. Courage is an essential step in the performance of the just person because it gives individuals the incentive to do something about what they feel is right.
Through education, spirit (courage) becomes the ally of reason because individuals learn that spirit gives them the determination to stick With What they believe is right and act upon it (courage). When an individual is able to control their wisdom and courage, they act independently from the soul and thus live in moderation. Moderation becomes apparent when the three parts of the soul become “friends” with one another to create a sense of unity. Each needs to thrive off the other to soon lead to justice.
A person becomes just when each the three parts of the soul act independently to one another but still use each other to better their performance as a just person. When reason rules and spirit gives us the strength to promote a sense of change, we create positive desires that do not try to dominate our lives. With all of these qualities and parts of the soul working together, it can potentially lead to a just city. Now that we have determined the meaning of justice in the eyes of Socrates, we can compare his account to that to Cephalic and Trashcans.
Cephalic ventured that justice was the honoring of legal obligations, while Trashcans suggested that justice is “another’s good” while injustice is “one’s own good. ” These two definitions are linked by the imperative of giving to each what is appropriate. Although Socrates doesn’t necessary feel like justice is either of those, his definition does suggest that justice is giving to each what is appropriate in terms of their role in society. There are going to be Guardians, Auxiliaries, and Producers, each being assigned role in just society that best suits their nature and that best serves society as a whole.
All of the social classes are working together to formulate a place that promotes a just environment. As people learn to reason through education, they will become more aware of vat is wrong and what is right, thus acting on those decisions. As the three parts Of the soul work together, it Will lead to a place that not only looks to the good of oneself, but the good of mankind as well. Understanding term Autistic” is by no means an easy task. It requires a lot Of Hough and considerations before coming to a conclusion that seems fitting for all mankind.
Socrates’ ability to question becomes extremely important in his search for the meaning of justice. He was able to learn and develop his thoughts through his ability to question characters such as Cephalic and Trashcans. Although some may still disagree with Socrates’ definition of justice, it is evident that he has put in the time to come up with a definition that is very reasonable. Justice certainly is not easy to attain, but when it is done it can definitely change the lives of many.
