Essay on Platos Theory of Human Nature - 1029 Words

Platos Theory of Human Nature In my opinion, Socrates’ analysis of human nature is very true as it ultimately brings us his definition of justice. I agree with his theory of human nature but not his social-political theory. In order to understand Plato’s theory of human nature and his social-political theory, we must examine each one of them closely. Plato believed that no one is self-sufficient enough to live individually. Human beings are not created equally; some of us are born wiser then the rest and some of us are just born stronger. For this reason, only the select few (which would be the guardians) among us are supposed to know what is best for the society and therefore becomes the ruler of everyone else. Our†¦show more content†¦After that, Thrasymachus came up with his own definition of justice which is nothing more than the advantage of the stronger; those in positions of power use law to decide what is right. The kind of justice practiced anywhere depends on the type of gove rnment they have in power. Socrates does not disagree with this view if the facts about the society are as Thrasymachus says they are, however, he argues that sometimes rulers make mistakes. In that case obedience to the law maybe leads to its own disadvantage, therefore Thrasymachus’s definition is also inadequate. Furthermore, Socrates says that the best ruler must always know how to rule. They should rule for the art of ruling, but not their own interest alone. Later, Glaucon suggests that human beings, given an opportunity to do injustice without being caught and therefore without suffering any punishment or loss of good reputation, would naturally choose a life of injustice, in order to maximize their own interests. Glaucons definition of justice is that it’s an equal contract, an approach between what is the best (doing injustice without paying the penalty) and the worse (suffering injustice without being able to avenge one self). Adieamantus narrows the discussion further by pointing out that to have a good reputation of justice is more important than justice is itself, whether or not that person really does have a good reputation ofShow MoreRelatedPlato s Theory Of Human Nature1254 Words   |  6 PagesPlato is an outstanding philosophers that not only has influenced through philosophical ideas but also question the ideas of human nature that are brought up within the natural human in life. Plato, was born in Classic Athens, 427 BC, he has elaborated upon various works including on discussing idealism and theories of forms presented. Plato is been recognized to make quite the allegories and metaphors to the human life. He also has demonstrated an important persistent to search for the truth. WithinRead MorePlato and Aristotle: a Comparison Essay1641 Words   |  7 PagesComparing 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. Read MoreHuman Nature : Good Or Evil1053 Words   |  5 PagesHuman Nature: Good or Evil All ideologies, including some economic ideologies, produce theories of human nature in order to establish fundamental human rights and to establish a more productive form of government. 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