Cephalus Definition Of Justice: Glaucon And Adiemantus

Cephalus begins the immense debate by claiming he himself lives the very definition of justice, by bearing earned wealth and consistently living a virtuous life for the eyes of the Gods. He argues that he believes the most just person lives a life free of lies, follows every law and is always to return what he owes. Countering Cephalus’s claim, Socrates paints the image in everyone’s mind of two neighbors, one of whom has borrowed a weapon that can originate harm. Socrates provides the situation of the second neighbor returning this borrowed weapon to the first neighbor if he was in a state of hysteria. In class, the instance provided was of the neighbor asking for his weapon back in order to inflict harm to his spouse; therefore returning
Glaucon and Adiemantus are genuinely desiring Socrates to prove their points for injustice inaccurate, exposing the substantial value in justice to all of the present listeners. Glaucon believes three categories of items exist: a desired item with no reward to one for owning the item, a desired item for one’s own good and rewards of the item, then finally items desirable for their rewards but not desirable in themselves. Glaucon and Adiemantus challenge Socrates to prove justice belongs in the highest category of items by disproving three specific extensive arguments against justice. First, Glaucon argues the nature and origin of his idea of justice is a lesser evil even rather than an overall benefit. He brings religion into his first argument, claiming an unjust person is able to ask for forgiveness for his acts, only seeming just, yet is still granted a superior afterlife. Glaucon believes the idea of justice comes from man experiencing both sides of evil acts and deciding to no longer experience either end. Secondly, Glaucon cases implemented laws force man to behave justly, against their own will. He portrays a story where a man possess a ring, the Ring of Gyges, making him invisible to others. With this power, the man seduces the Queen of his town, manipulating her into overthrowing the King so he is at rule, furthermore proving man will do what is advantageous to him when there are no consequences to hold one accountable. Glaucon’s concluding argument is people living unjust lives exist in more content than those who live justly. Unjust individuals are able to gain rewards through their given off appearance, tying in religion once again, Glaucon makes the point an unjust person would have more items to give to the Gods. As discussed in class, this act of justice for pure appearance is exposed by our parents influencing