RC1

What is Thrasymachus’ core definition of justice?

The advantage of the stronger (the ruling power).

What problem does Socrates present Thrasymachus regarding rulers and error?

If rulers can be mistaken about their advantage, obeying them can require what harms them.

What does Thrasymachus’ 'craft' reply (doctor/captain analogy) illustrate?

A ruler, strictly speaking, is not 'in error' at the moment he rules (as ruler).

What example does Thrasymachus use to illustrate justice as 'the good of another'?

In contracts/partnerships, the just person ends with less than the unjust person.

What form of 'complete injustice' does Thrasymachus highlight?

Tyranny (large-scale appropriation by force or stealth).

What is Socrates’ immediate response after Thrasymachus’ long speech?

He is not persuaded that injustice is more profitable, even 'given full scope.'

When Socrates asks how they should proceed, which method do they choose?

Seeking agreement by question-and-answer inquiry.

What does Thrasymachus assert about 'complete injustice'?

It is profitable, and even a kind of good judgment.

What claim closes Book I just before Book II begins?

Socrates says he still does not know what justice is.

What is Glaucon’s complaint at the opening of Book II?

Socrates has not yet truly convinced them that being just is better in every way than being unjust.

What kind of goods does Glaucon say 'most people' place justice in?

Goods desired only for consequences (onerous but beneficial).

What is Glaucon’s FIRST part of his plan to renew Thrasymachus’ case?

State what people think justice is and what its origins are.

In the account of justice's origins, how are doing injustice and suffering injustice naturally characterized?

Doing injustice is naturally good, suffering injustice is naturally bad.

Why do people make laws and agree to be 'just,' according to that story?

They lack the power to do injustice with impunity and avoid suffering it.

What is justice characterized as in the account of its origins?

Intermediate between doing injustice without penalty and suffering injustice without revenge.

How can we test if people are just willingly, according to Glaucon?

By imagining that just and unjust people have the freedom to do whatever they like without consequences.

Who is Gyges at the start of the story?

A shepherd in the service of the ruler of Lydia.

What event leads Gyges to the chasm where he finds the ring?

A violent thunderstorm and an earthquake split the earth.

Where does Gyges find the ring?

On a corpse inside a hollow bronze horse.

How does the ring’s power work?

It makes the wearer invisible when he turns the setting inward, visible when outward.

What does Gyges do after confirming the ring’s power?

He goes to the king, seduces the queen, kills the king, and takes power.

What is Glaucon’s conclusion from the 'two rings' comparison?

Both would act similarly, since no one would resist with impunity available.

What 'proof' does Glaucon say this provides according to the argument’s supporters?

People are never just willingly but only when compelled.