Thrasymachus Definition Of Justice In Plato's Republic

In the Republic, Thrasymachus defines justice as that which is done for the advantage of the stronger. This definition clearly implies that justice is a one track road, which is only required of that which can only be referred to as the weaker party in any given situation. Upon a brief exchange with Socrates, Thrasymachus elaborates on his definition; adding that some cities are ruled tyrannically, some aristocratically, and others democratically. In such cities, the stronger party is not he who is of superior physical strength, as Socrates jokes, but he who is in the position to rule (this then led to a personal worry of mine regarding what would then be deemed the weaker/stronger party in a democracy, for if a city is governed by the people,

This description has a more hands-on angle on ruling as it demands a ruler to be someone who is able to not only act, but do so to provide for the betterment or preservation of his city. Thrasymachus’ definition of justice as the advantage of the stronger directly contradicts this approach to leadership, as it simply demands that one’s subordinates act to please their superior, but that little to none must be done by said superior to please/benefit his subordinates. Furthermore, Thrasymachus states that no true professional makes mistakes when practicing that in which they claim to be proficient. On the other hand, Machiavelli’s explanation of virtu allows for a ruler to make moral mistakes, but justifies them as long as they are pursuant to the greater good of one’s state, and do not taint one’s appearance to his people. Although these approaches to both the difference in a just society and a just/virtuous ruler have innate differences which easily set them apart from one another, a few similarities can be found; namely, the subordination of a people to their