Ring Of Unjust Actions

Cars are a powerful machine. They can cause death and destruction with the simplest of actions. Despite their power, they are available to every individual that passes a driving test. Drivers hold an immense amount of power anytime they are behind the wheel. However, it is very rare when a driver uses that power. The average person does not decide to run over innocent pedestrians or ram their car into another. So why is this? The reason being is because of the possible consequences and personal conscience. Individuals refrain from unjust manners and actions because of the penalty that they could potentially receive. If the penalty for unjust actions were removed, then there would be a lot more people partaking in said unjust actions. Unjust
He argues to Socrates that if a just individual and an unjust individual were both given the opportunity to take part in unjust activities without consequences, the just person and unjust person would come out as equals. Equals in the sense that they would both take part in unjust actions. His overall point is the fact that when an individual is given a chance to act unjustly without consequence, they will take it. Glaucon used the example of the story of the Ring of Gyges. In this story, the ancestor of Gyges the Lydian was a shepherd and hired servant to the, at that time, current King. One day an earthquake opened the Earth and the shepherd came across a dead body with a golden ring. He took the golden ring and discovered that it held a great power. It had the power to turn him invisible. Almost immediately after uncovering the power of this ring, the seemingly moral shepherd killed the king and took his place on the throne. The only reason the shepherd acted so dramatically was because he knew he could do it without ever being discovered. If he is never discovered, then he can never be held responsible for his actions. In turn, if he is never discovered he will not experience the consequences he would have experienced if he were not
Despite both being willing to commit unjust activities, the certain activities they will take part in will differ. Although consequences are a big part as to why people do not go against their morals, conscience is also a very important aspect. Different individuals have different consciences, therefore they have unique opinions as to what is “too unjust.” Some people may be willing to steal a car, while others would only be willing to steal a shirt. It all depends on personal beliefs and limits. A lot of individuals would not be willing to murder someone just because no one would find out and there would be no consequence. They would refrain from murder because they know it would have to stay on their conscience. They would have to live with themselves knowing that they killed another human being. To the majority, the fear of living with the guilt of their unjust activities is enough motivation to live a moral