PlatosRepublic

Plato’s Objective Moral Theory:: 

Plato’s Objective Moral Theory: Plato maintains that moral truths are not relative , instead they are grounded in a higher objective reality. The Universe consists of two distinct realms: A visible world of appearances which contains physical objects such as rocks, chairs, cars and people. An intelligible world of forms, which contains universal abstractions such as principles of mathematics and justice: Ideas

Plato’s Moral Theory:: 

Plato’s Moral Theory: Plato develops his accounts of moral objectivism in what is called THE THEORY OF THE FORMS: The form of the good is the source of all knowledge To know the good one must turn our attention away from the world of BECOMING-THE EMPIRICAL WORLD (Sensorial/empirical)

Plato’s Republic Concept of Justice: 

Plato’s Republic Concept of Justice Book II Whether we are naturally just or unjust. What is justice? Book IV Justice is a political virtue. Book V The Nature of Woman.

Book IIWhether we are Naturally just or unjust?: 

Book II Whether we are Naturally just or unjust? “On what principle, then, shall we any longer choose justice rather than the worst injustice?” The Nature of the Human Self Two Faculties: Reason- makes judgments, Pursue Wisdom and Reflect upon the world and cosmos.(SOUL- ANIMA) Desire, directed by the senses, desires and wants. Is to be just always better to be unjust? Ring of Gyges Myth

Book IIWhether we are Naturally just or unjust? : 

Book II Whether we are Naturally just or unjust? Socrates adopts a method of inquiry: Since Justice is both of the individual and the state, as a virtue, Socrates proposes: First to Inquire in the State Second in the Individual * In the Greek Culture it is not possible to separate POLITICS from ETHICS

Justice or Injustice, What is more profitable?: 

Justice or Injustice, What is more profitable? Can we know if an individual acts for the sake of injustice or for the sake of honor and rewards, character or reputation? Plato, in the Republic, show us that being unjust seems to give us more pleasure. Plato argues that Good (Happier Life) is not identical with Pleasure. And even though being just may not produce the most pleasure, being just is more profitable to the state.

Book II What is Justice?Is Justice a Virtue? : 

Book II What is Justice? Is Justice a Virtue? Virtue is, “excellence of Function” and is knowledge. Is knowledge To Judge To make Judgments Justice is one of the highest class of goods which we desire for their results, but I far greater degree for their own sake.” Is Justice a virtue of the state or a virtue of the individual? Justice is a Political Virtue.

Book IVJustice is Political Virtue: 

Book IV Justice is Political Virtue Virtues: Wisdom- Rational part of human self Temperance- Regulation of the desires of the body Courage- Support of reason by the passions Justice- to practice the thing ‘to which his nature was best adapted.” Justice springs from the dealings of the citizens with one another, from the state to the individual. Justice arises from the needs of mankind - the wants of the of the individual. The foundation of the state is Justice.

Political Virtues: 

Political Virtues Wisdom: It is found in the counsel of the state, the city state. Courage: It is found in the guardians- In those who fight and defend the city on behalf of the state. Temperance: It is found in controlling certain pleasures and desires. Justice: “… that one man should practice one thing only, the thing which his nature was best adapted.”

Is the life of justice the better and happier life?What is the right way to live?: 

Is the life of justice the better and happier life? What is the right way to live? The concept of Function: a thing’s function is the work for which that thing is the only instrument or the best. Within that function, they also have and specific excellence or virtue- enables them to work well. Living is a function of the soul- The soul has an specific excellence. If the soul is robbed of its virtue it cannot do what is does well. The virtue of the soul is Justice- Injustice is a deficiency or an imperfection For a Just man, living well involves well-being and happiness.

Book V : 

Book V The Nature of Woman. Women and men have the same duties and education. Is she capable of sharing either wholly or partially in the actions of men, or not at all? “There is nothing peculiar in the constitution of women which would affect them in the administration of the state.”