Socrates Value Of Justice

In the first few books of the republic it is evident that Justice should be the prefered characteristic to fit the conceptual system of society, thus outweighing its counter opponent injustice. Understanding why justice holds greater value for a city which parallels with an individual than injustice under the two same entities is necessary for comprehending the value of justice when it stands alone. The significance of the unique aspect of justice allows it to be distinguishable from other principles. That is why Plato ultimately makes the case that justice is in fact worthy of being desired and sought after. I argue that justice is a necessity for in fulfilling the requirements to make advancements as well as living a life or conducting a

Yet, at the same time, making justice present in any given situation is praiseworthy for the well-being of the situation. For example, Socrates articulate the following “Doesn’t it follow, then, that to produce justice is to establish the elements in the soul in a natural relation of mastering and being master by one another.” ( 444 d7-d9) To reiterate the profound words of socrates, justice can only be be displayed when an individual (or city) has its moral skeleton properly aligned with principles that allow the individual to act in a manner that balances desires of the self with dignified order. Obviously to achieve such a feet is extremely difficult which is why the proper education should be easily accessed. With that being said, achieving justice involves some level of knowledge since justice cannot be activated without its help. With knowledge their is some form of wisdom over an individual’s comportment, which is manifested in the pattern of behavior through those who behave justly. Knowledge plays the role as the police officer in the city of ethics, since it decides and distinguishes whether actions are permissible thus being just, or the opposite in which case they would be impressible and therefore unjust. To continue, knowledge would discourage the people of the city of ethics from behaving unjustly and in return would commend the citizens who act justly and would recommend others to comport themselves in the same manner. Socrates explains this scenario concisely by stating “ In all these areas, he considers and calls just and fine the action that preserves this inner harmony and helps achieve it, and wisdom the knowledge that oversees such action; and he considers and calls unjust any action that destroys this harmony.” (443