Plato And Plato's Apology

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The myth of the Ring of Gyges has transcended hundred of years, thusly making it a ‘tale as old as time’. Modern adaptations of this myth include JRR Tolkien’s, “Lord of the Ring” series as an example. Through this legend and others, like the myth of metals, Plato is able to demonstrate what one ought to do if one is set owner of the infamous Ring of Gyges, ergo the argumentation of why one ought to act justly. If I had a magic ring such as the Ring of Gyges I would be inclined to act mischievously, but would wind up acting as though I did not have the ring. To fully understand my position, if I had a magic ring, can only be fully comprehended once the purpose of the ring, pertaining to morality is understood. I feel as though the Socrates of The Apology and of The Republic would answer in a consistent way. Namely, that regardless of possession of the ring or not, one should act justly. “Why act just”, is a theme through out the philosophical works of Plato, in The Republic, Plato aims to address the issue of how justice becomes a virtue in society. Please note that The Republic, in addition to The Apology are works of Plato, but the main character is Socrates, Plato’s teacher. Therefore, when referring to the two works, Plato and or Socrates can be named in reference. Furthermore, after addressing how one acts just, Plato is to ask why one ought to act just. He uses the myth of the Ring of Gyges to help explain this phenomenon of human behavior. Why having a discussion with his two brothers, Glaucon and Adeimantus, the myth of the Ring of Gyges is first brought up in conversation. Specifically found at the Stephanus pagination of 2.359a–2.360d, Glaucon, brother of Plato, first tells the legend in book II of The Republic. The ... ... middle of paper ... ...sense of arête, as described before. As a result, while seemingly tempting to act unjustly, if one is to live an examined life they will see that one will be the happiest and have the most eudemonia, or Greek word for happy and or balanced, if they act justly. This is regardless of whether or not set individual is wearing the Ring of Gyges. To reiterate, if I was in possession of the Ring of Gyges, while it would be tempted to act unjustly, I would ultimately act justly. By acting justly it promotes the idea of one’s soul (ration, spirit and desire) being in harmony. Set idea is illustrated by the metaphor of a city and the myth of the metals. This idea demonstrates the notion of “ justice is not what one sees but one feels” as stated by Plato. After consideration of Socrates in both The Republic and The Apology I think he would ultimately answer in a similar way.

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