claims of Plato’s Republic is that justice is not only desirable for its own sake‚ but that it maximises the happiness of those who practice it. This paper examines Plato’s arguments in support of this thesis to determine (a) what he means by happiness‚ (b) to what extent it exists in his proposed ideal state‚ and (c) whether this in any way substantiates his claims about the benefits of justice. In particular‚ I will argue that there are two different conceptions of happiness at play in The Republic
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One of the biggest points of dispute in the Ancient-Modern debate concerns happiness and how one might define and eventually become happy. To properly understand the Ancient-Modern debate‚ it is necessary that one understand the principles that support this debate: in particular‚ that there is a relationship that exists between morality and politics‚ that politics is not the end in itself‚ and that human nature is complex‚ often contradictory‚ but graspable if sufficiently analyzed. When speaking
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(25) Plato originally thought of the forms because of the concept of beauty. Although we see objects and think that they are beautiful‚ we never ‘beauty’. Also many different things can be beautiful‚ but in different ways but they all still have one thing in common‚ beauty. This leads to Plato concluding that there must be something which is ‘beauty’ that all of these things get it from. This idea of a universal thing that more than one thing can have was the first thought that lead Plato to the
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The Republic of Plato explores the meaning of Justice from both an individual and societal point of view. It also looks into the incorporation of Justice into human society‚ in other words‚ how to create an ideal state of social order in a society. This is carried out through the various dialogues and arguments between Socrates and other individuals. During this process‚ Socrates gave a detailed analysis of the formation‚ structure and the organization of an ideal State‚ and through this‚ vindicate
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Many Philosophers made a difference in society but Plato is perhaps recognized as the most famous. His writings have had a profound effect on people‚ politics‚ and the philosophy throughout the centuries. He was a public figure and he made major contributions to society. Plato helped to lay the philosophical foundations of modern culture through his ideas and writings. One of the most philosophical thinkers of Western civilization‚ Plato is the only author from ancient Greek times whose writings
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Plato’s Apology is a narrative of the famous speech of Socrates that is made during his trial. Instead of apologizing‚ Socrates attempts to defend himself and his actions. He is put on trial due to his accusations of corrupting Athens‚ not acknowledging the same gods as the state‚ and creating new gods. During his dialogue‚ Socrates remains very calm and speaks with honesty. He focuses on what is said rather than his manner of speech. When he is first presented in from of the jury‚ Socrates asks
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Critical Analysis of “Phaedo” by Plato Much of the Phaedo by Plato is composed of arguments for the nature of the physical world and how it relates to the after life‚ for example‚ the way our senses perceive the world and how indulging in those senses has negative consequences in our after lives. These arguments find basis in scientific analysis of the time as well as the mythos of the his age. One of the key talking points within the story is the theory of forms. The aforementioned theory
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What are the alternatives to the western conception of the Nuclear family? The nuclear family is well known conception within the Western world. It consists of 2 adults and 2.4 children. There are many supporters of this traditional family construction‚ and there are many with contrasting arguments who disagree. An alternative to the nuclear family in the west is the extended family. It consists of the traditional nuclear family and added relations such as an aunt‚ or cousin. The been-pole
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Comparing the political theories of any two great philosophers is a complex task. Plato and Aristotle are two such philosophers who had ideas of how to improve existing societies during their individual lifetimes. While both Plato and Aristotle were great thinkers‚ perhaps it is necessary first to examine the ideas of each before showing how one has laid the groundwork and developed certain themes for the other. Plato is regarded by many experts as the first writer of political philosophy. He fashioned
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Aristotle’s Critique of Plato Aristotle took a distinct path verging from the foundation of Plato’s philosophy. In order to control society Plato used the noble lie‚ so people under the state wouldn’t question their place in life. Aristotle‚ on the other hand‚ used the idea of "civic virtue of friendship" to create a sense of community. "For Aristotle‚ friendship is a virtue "most necessary for our life." Without friendship‚ life would be missing a major dimension and in consequence our live
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