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The Three Types Of Justice In Plato's Republic

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Plato’s Republic Book II covers many topics such as the three types of good, finding the origins of justice, why reputation matters when thinking of justice, and the start of finding justice in an ideal city. With Thrasymachus and Polymarchus gone, Glaucon, Adeimantus, and Socrates continue the debate about justice. Glaucon has asked that Socrates prove that justice is the preferred choice. Glaucon starts by asking Socrates where he thinks justice lies in his three definitions of good. The first type is a sort of good we choose to have, not for its consequences, but for its own sake – like smelling a flower or watching the sunset. The second type would be a sort of good that we enjoy for its own sake, but also for the sake of its consequence – like knowledge and health. The third type of good is the burdensome kind, we do …show more content…

The completely unjust man, who indulges in all his negative urges, lives like a God because he has secured himself the reputation of being a just man. While the just man, with a poor reputation, is scorned and wretched just from his reputation. Adeimantus believes there is no advantage in being just if you are not actively perceived that way. When it comes to Gods, he believes they are easily swayed, to look the other way if you are unjust, by sacrifices, gentle prayers, and offerings. Adeimantus, Glaucon, and Socrates begin to create the ideal city and to also locate justice within it. The first city is viewed as only fit for pigs, while the second city is more luxurious. They start out by finding people, and creating ways to make food, shelter and goods. They decide that each person in the city should specialize in a particular occupation that they personally excel in. The city is still incomplete, it will need merchants – to trade with other cities, a market place – to trade within city walls, currency, local retailers, and people willing to be paid for manual

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