philosophy exam: book 2 review

What is book 2 about

Book 2 is behind both Glaucon and Adeimantus (Plato’s brothers) arguing that Socrates has not yet proven justice is better than injustice. Simply, they want a stronger demonstration compared to the other three.

What are Glaucon’s three claims in book 2?

a) nature of justice:

• Justice arose because people feared being harmed, it is a compromise between doing injustice and suffering it.

b) the ring of gyges story:

• A shepherd discovers a ring that makes him invisible. With no consequences, even a “just” man would be behave unjustly.

  • this suggest people are just only because they are watched.

c) comparison of the perfectly just versus perfectly just man:

• The unjust man succeeds and is praised.

• The dust man suffers and is seen as a fool.

  • Which is truly better?

Glaucon wants socrates, to show that justice is good in itself, not just good for reputation.

What does Adeimantus say in book 2 in response to Glaucon?

• society praises justice because of external rewards such as honour, money, and divine favour.

• In myths and poetry, injustice often appears more profitable.

  • he demands a defensive justice that does not rely on rewards or reputation.

Socrates strategy: look for justice on the large scale first

• Socrates, proposes that justice will be easier to see in a city than in an individual soul. So they will create a city “in speech” (a hypothetical model) to locate justice there first.

They then create different hypothetical cities.

What is the birth of the simple city (city of pigs)?

Socity starts with a basic city that meets only necessary needs:

• Food

• Shelter

• Clothing

• Tools

People specialize according to their natural aptitude. The city is peaceful and free of luxury. Glaucon objects that the city is too simple and that there are no pleasures or luxuries. Then, the feverish or luxurious city is made.

What is the feverish or luxurious city

To satisfy Glaucon, Socrates build a more complex city:

• More jobs (bakers, artist, barbers, merchants, etc.)

• More desires (couches, spices, finery)

• More territory needed

  • Leads to work because the city grows beyond necessities.

This expansion introduces the need for a guardian class.

What are the guardians: educated of warrior-protectors?

This is where Socrates describes the qualities needed by the cities defenders:

• Strength

• Courage

• Loyalty

• Intelligence

• A spirited nature balance with gentleness towards citizens.

Socrates says that proper education is essential to be a good guardian or city defender.

What is censorship of poetry and stories?

• courage

• Moderation

• Respect for gods

• Truthfulness

Stories that depict gods, as deceitful, immoral or violent inappropriately must be removed.

What is moral training?

Children must not be exposed to:

• Fear inducing tales about the underworld

• Characters be behaving unjustly without consequences

• Depiction that normalize vice or excessive emotions