Socrates and Thrasymachus in Republic Essay -- Philosophy Philosophica

Socrates and Thrasymachus in country Socrates and Thrasymachus have a dialogue in Chapter 2 of Republic which progresses from a interchange of the definition of holiness, to an understanding of the expertise of ruling, and eventually to a debate on the state of human temper. The Thrasymachian view of human nature has interesting implications in regards to Thomas Nagels ideal of egalitarianism, and Barbara Ehrenreichs discontentment with the economic disparity in our participatory society. Although Thrasymachus is thwarted in conversation, Glaucon finds the upshot non entirely conclusive and directs Socrates to proving that morality, in and of itself, is a worthwhile pursuit. Thrasymachus opens the discussion with Socrates claiming, morality is the advantage of the stronger party. (Republic 338c) By this he means moral actions argon those in accordance with the laws of the stronger party. He explicates his position by saying, each governance passes laws with a view to it s aver advantage a democracy makes democratic laws, a dictatorship makes dictatorial laws In so doing, each political sympathies makes it clear that what is skilful and moral for its subjects is what is to its own advantage. (Republic 338e) In this example Thrasymachus claims that morality is the advantage of the current government. (Republic 339a) In giving this claim Thrasymachus implies that1.Morality is not objective.2.Morality is defined as compliance with the laws given by the authorities party. 3.The governing party creates laws based on what (it thinks) will serve its own advantage. 4.The governing party creates morality for its subjects with the purpose of serving its own advantage. Thrasymachus defines right as acti... ...count for the lack of success of egalitarian societies that Nagel proposes, and the economic disparity that Ehrenreich addresses. Socrates moldiness respond to both Thrasymachus and Glaucons reiteration by showing that a moral life is good in an d of itself, rather than for its consequences. The dialogue amongst Socrates and Thrasymachus, and later with Socrates, Glaucon, and Adeimantus prompts Plato to write the rest of Republic in explanation of what a moral community is, and how such a blueprint can be applied to a moral individual. Works Cited1.Plato (trans. Robin Waterfield). Republic, Oxford University Press Inc., unused York. 1998 edition. 2.Nagel, Thomas. Equality and Partiality, in Classics of Political and Moral Philosophy, ed. Steven Cahn (Oxford University Press, 2002). 3.Ehrenreich, Barbara. Nickel and Dimed. Henry Holt & family 2001.