Plato's Republic - Vocabulary: Justice and Ruling Power (Thrasymachus vs. Socrates)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the dialogue where Socrates and Thrasymachus discuss justice, rulers, and forms of government.

Justice (Thrasymachus' definition)

What is advantageous for the stronger; justice is the ruler's advantage as determined by the ruling power.

Established rule

The ruling power in a city (tyranny, democracy, aristocracy) whose interests determine what counts as just.

Rulers' laws

Laws made by rulers; a law is correct if it serves the rulers' advantage, incorrect if it does not.

Rulers' error

Rulers can be in error about what benefits themselves; laws may reflect those errors.

Obedience

Subjects are expected to obey the rulers' orders; obedience to these laws is identified with justice.

Democracy

Rule by the many; its laws are advantageous for the democratic rulers.

Aristocracy

Rule by the few (nobles); its laws are advantageous for the aristocratic rulers.

Tyranny

Rule by a tyrant; its laws are advantageous for the tyrant.

The stronger

The party in power whose interests define what counts as just.

Advantageous (as used in the dialogue)

Beneficial to the ruler; used to determine what is considered just.

The universal claim of justice

Thrasymachus hints that justice is the same everywhere: what is advantageous for the established rule.