Lecture Notes: Glaucon's Argument in Book II of the Republic

Introduction to Glaucon's Argument

• Glaucon is the first speaker in Book II of Plato's "Republic."
• He discusses the concept of justice and categorizes goods into three types:
  1. Desirable for their own sake: Harmless pleasures and delights.
  2. Desirable for their own sake and for their results: Knowledge, sight, health.
  3. Desirable only for their consequences: Gymnastics and money-making.

Justice According to Socrates

• Socrates believes justice is in the highest category (desirable in itself and for its rewards).
• However, Glaucon asserts that most people place justice in the lowest category (desirable only for consequences).

Glaucon's Challenge to Socrates

• Glaucon decides to argue for critics of justice to prompt Socrates' refutation.
• Three main arguments presented by Glaucon:
  1. The nature and origin of justice.
  2. Justice is practiced against one's own will.
  3. Unjust life is better than the just life.

1. Nature and Origin of Justice

• Justice as a social contract:
  • People agree to avoid doing and suffering evil.
  • Laws are created from mutual agreement.
• Nature of justice:
  • A middle ground between doing evil without consequences and suffering evil with no retaliation.

2. Justice Against One's Own Will

• People only act justly because of laws and consequences.
• Uses the story of Gyges:
  • Shepherd Gyges finds a ring that makes him invisible.
  • He uses the power to commit unjust acts (seduces queen, kills king, seizes kingdom).
  • Suggests any man with such power would act unjustly.

3. Unjust Life is Better

• Perception vs. reality:
  • Just men can be seen as unjust and punished, while unjust men can be regarded as just and rewarded.
• Appeasement of Gods:
  • Tradition holds gods can be appeased by offerings.
  • Wealthy unjust men can offer more to gods, thus atoning for transgressions.
• Conclusion:
  • It's better to be unjust but appear just.

Glaucon's Request to Socrates

• Socrates needs to prove the superiority of a just life over an unjust life without considering rewards.
• Socrates struggles but attempts to refute by examining justice in both individuals and the state.
  • Justice is easier to discern in the larger context of the state before applying to the individual.