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Justice In Socrates 'And Cephalus' The Republic

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The general theme of The Republic is the meaning of justice captured by Socrates and Cephalus speaking about the benefits of growing old. The conversation quickly becomes an argument between the two about what justice is. Cephalus is a business man, a pillar of the community, and a man of religion. When speaking about his wealth he seems apathetic about money; this is when Socrates has an epiphany about Cephalus inheriting his money and explains the manner in which one acquires their money as speaks volumes to how intently they appreciate it. Cephalus does points out that he has earned his own share of money on top of what he has already inherited, and he would be leaving his son more than he inherited. This point about Cephalus’ finances speaks to how …show more content…

One other example to this flaw can be outlined in the following scenario; I am holding a set of keys and my friend who is the owner of them is impaired, my friend is persistent in getting his keys back; according to Cepalus my only concern is to return the keys to the rightful owner, but by doing so I will enable them to drive under the influence and possible cause an accident because of it. Cephalus states that my responsibility is to return what does not belong to me and nothing more, yet if by doing this my friend ends up hurting or killing an innocent driver then wouldn’t this be a unjust act? Then it is transparent that it is not always right to return your debts. Due to the Religious aspect of Cephalus’ reasoning it is likely that he does not differentiate between legality and justice because he believes it to be one, if all law rests on the weight of authority then Cephalus does not see a difference in law and justice because the gods have authority of

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