In many societies, including our own, we labeled the meaning of the word “justice” for the sole purpose of maintaining social and political stability and order for the good of many instead of the few. However, what we believe to be just and unjust in regards to what Plato’s Republic explains about what is actually just and unjust are inadvertently blurred from a somewhat conflicting (if not unintended biased) perspective. These concepts of thought originate in a hierarchical group of knowledge: understanding, thought, belief, and imagination (Socrates 511e); most of which we use for measuring the ideal implementation of practical and critical forms of theory. What we portray justice in the United States today mostly consists of both opinionated…
Publilius Syrus once said,(12c) “Man’s life is short; and therefore an honorable death is his immortality,(12c)” that is also the main idea in the play Antigone by Sophocles. After studying “If we must Die” by Jamaican author Claude McKay and “Invictus”by William Ernest Henley then comparing them to Antigone,(12c) it is effortless to decide which one is more related. “If we must Die” is more similar to Antigone seeing that they share the same views of dying an honorable death and making something of life and not just wasting it.…
What is justice? Today, where it is common for people to only look out for themselves, justice is an extremely important tool. But what exactly is justice? What is right, what is wrong, and who decides that? To find an accurate definition, we as a society should not just focus on one opinion, but the views of many. Similar to how our society is today, the society in The Republic, lived the same, struggling to determine what the correct definition of justice was, and how to pursue the right answer. In the paper, I will be discussing all aspects of Plato’s Republic, including the Philosopher King and his nature, and justice in that time.…
In Sophocles’s tragedy Antigone, and the family she has left their trust and the ability to function is on the line. The character named Antigone shows her bravery and loyalty by staying true to her words. Antigone defies the law to not bury Polyneices. Antigone gets herself and her sister, Ismene, into trouble with Creon. Ismene didn't like the idea of defining the decree Creon put out and left Antigone alone. Antigone is willing to go against a king to do what's right that shows loyalty to her family and shows she will give life for the greater good.…
If a man was not subjected to law or punishment would he choose to do what is considered just? In Plato’s The Republic, Glaucon, one of Socrates’ students, states a common view on justice. Justice is simply a lesser evil when compared to the two extremes which are suffering injustice without power to retaliate and doing injustice without suffering consequences. According to Glaucon, all men are inherently unjust, and only do what is just when forced to do so by law. This view of justice can be seen throughout history when leaders, like Nero, do unjust actions for their own personal gain simply because they are free from any consequences.…
Was the law that Creon created, stating that no one shall touch or attempt to bury the body of Polyneices justifiable considering Creon’s motive in declaring it? The law was not justifiable.…
Merriam Webster defines justice as the principle or ideal of just dealing or right action. Humans believe that they should have the right to justice, fairness and proper treatment. A common theme found in much of the Greek literature we’ve read over the course of this semester is the seeking of justice by many characters in an attempt to procure the vengeance they believe they deserve. When these characters feel wronged, they believe that it is up to them to acquire their own justice by any means necessary. However, this attempt to achieve their justice ultimately results in much more tragedy and bloodshed. Both Antigone and The Odyssey contain plots driven by justice and revenge and both of these stories uniquely display that the cycle of revenge cannot be stopped. These…
What is justice is a question that has plagued philosophers since the time of Plato when he wrote The Republic to present day. In the book, Plato uses the dialectic, between Socrates and other Athenians like Polemarchus, Cephalus, and Glacuon, to try and find the definition of justice. Through the voice of Glaucon, Plato defines justice as a compromise of sorts between advantage and fear, and injustice as the things that we wouldn’t…
Socrates meets with some of his friends and begins discussing the meaning of justice and whether the just life is better than the unjust life. First, they contemplate the meaning of justice. Cephalus stated that justice is as simple as telling the truth and returning what you receive, Polemarchus stated that justice is giving each his due, and Thrasymachus stated that justice is the advantage of the stronger. Socrates proves each of them wrong and embarks on a discussion to find out what true justice is, and to find out whether the just man is truly happier than the unjust man, or vice versa.…
Violence, greed, and suffering are all great examples of power being abused negatively. When someone has power, they have the decision to either use that power in a positive or negative way. Sadly, some people decide to use their power in a negative way that affects others. Power can have a negative effect on others by using fear and manipulation.…
Sophocles’, a playwright and Greek tragedian often wrote plays that displayed moral lessons and difficult situations that shift the entire atmosphere of the setting. In his play Antigone, written around 422 CE, it is the second of The Three Theban Plays. It follows Two brothers, Eteocles and Polynices warring for kingship, who eventually end up killing each other. And the new hereditary ruler becomes their uncle, Creon. He declares that Eteocles should be buried honorably, while Polynices’ body should lay unburied on the battlefield. One of the main characters, Antigone strongly opposes the declaration of her brother’s unjustful burial and believes it's the law of the Greek gods to bury people. While, Creon, the new ruler, upholds his law…
It is prevalent that citizens around the world feel the need to follow their moral compass rather than the laws their state administers. When faced with a certain dilemma that causes any citizen to choose between following his moral conscience or following the rules mandated by the state, he is prone to following the law out of fear of the consequences if he chooses not to comply. However, there are those who prove to be an exception to this assumption, those who rebel against the state due to the moral and ethical considerations man has. Greek philosopher Sophocles conveys this trait of rebellion due to morality in Antigone through the protagonist Antigone and Plato discusses the same trait by referring to Plato, both whom serve as the primary example of wrestling with civil disobedience.…
Tragedy can be caused physically or emotionally to someone. This causes different values of magnitude to different people, ( the degree of importance/impact). Both Oedipus in Oedipus Rex by John Bennet and Creon in Antigone by Sophocles go through tragedy that reflects importance and has a big impact. Creon in comparison to Oedipus exhibits a higher degree of magnitude because his sinful actions display a higher degree of remorse and resulted in a more pronounced life of regret/suffering and a higher degree of catastrophe.…
Morality is concerned with the theory of right and wrong characteristics or good and bad behaviors; its role can shape an individual’s personality which can affect his or her call of action. It is only natural that we should have some kind of moral laws since our experiences are dwelled from our sense of duty and physical forces. It’s an aspect in humanity which helps them make rational decisions and it also serves as guidance for mere goodness. Our existence defines who we are as an individual because of our values that help us see past our wrongdoing and helps improve our future. This can be seen in Sophocles’ story of “Antigone,” Antigone’s character portrays a strong individual who is loyal and values her family more than the society. This tragic heroic story demonstrates the…
A woman executed for burying her brother’s body. Thousands of citizens denied the right to vote because of the complexion of their skin. Millions of men, women, and children tortured and murdered due to their beliefs. Strong and powerful governments should not tolerate this complete absence of human rights. Civilians deserve the right to oppose a prideful or biased leader’s ideas if they contradict their beliefs.…