Socrates was born circa 470 BC, in Athens, Greece. Socrates
believed that philosophy should reach practical results for the greater
well-being of society. He tried to establish an ethical system based on human
reason rather than theological doctrine. He pointed out that human choice was
motivated by the desire for happiness, so they go hand in hand. He also
believed that ultimate wisdom comes from knowing oneself. The more a person
knows, the greater his or her ability to reason and make choices will bring
true happiness.
In the reading of the Republic Socrates feels as if life of
a just man is better and happier. Therefore, a just man lives happy. A just
soul, in other words a just man, lives well; an unjust cannot. The problem with
Socrates' viewpoint is that an unjust soul can be just as happy. In the story
of the Republic the character in the story was a
just man. When he found the ring on the corpse's body he lost all of his just ways.
When he wore the ring he noticed that he was invisible that alone gave him
numerous opportunities to do unjust actions. All of his just morals went out
the door, he knew he could get away with things without being punished. In the
end he killed the king, had sex with his wife, and took over the throne. So,
the question is: If we do not have any consequences to our actions will we
still believe/ keep our just ways?
I believe if a person chooses to be just or unjust it
depends on the circumstances. Most people probably would not change a thing
about their lives if they had the opportunity and others will. It just depends
on the hand you were dealt in life.
jessiana,
ReplyDeleteI think that Socrates was right in his belief that everything needs to be harmonious to work. In fact, I think it's essential for a person to be just to really feel fulfilled and happy in their lives. After all, attitude affects us in everything that we do, if we have a bad outlook on things before the day even starts, we would inevitably have a bad day. so if you have an unjust soul, it corrupts everything inside you, and you'll have a bad life. even if nobody knows what you did, you know what you did. Your mind can subconsciously make you feel bad without you even knowing it, and it'll affect all aspects of your life.