The Definition of Justice

The Republic by Plato examines many aspects of the human condition. In this piece of writing Plato reveals the sentiments of Socrates as they define how humans function and interact with one another. He even more closely Socrates looks at morality and the values individuals hold most important. One value looked at by Socrates and his colleagues is the principle of justice. Multiple definitions of justice are given and Socrates analyzes the merit of each. As the group defines justice they show how self-interest shapes the progression of their arguments and contributes to the definition of justice.

The topic of justice first comes about through a conversation between Socrates and Cephalus. The two are reflecting upon their old age, evaluating how they have lived their lives, when Cephalus states that his wealth "keeps him from having to leave life in the fear of owing debts to men or sacrifices to the gods." [331b] This comment leads Socrates to question Cephalus on the subject of justice by asking if he really believed that justice is simply telling the truth and returning what you receive. Socrates feels this definition is too simple, asking if it is "sometimes right to behave in these ways, and sometimes wrong?" [331c] Socrates proposes this question: if someone were to borrow weapons from a friend, and afterwards this friend went mad, would it be just to return the weapons to the friend? Although Cephalus' definition would warrant returning the weapons, the two conclude that it would in fact not be the right thing to do. The two feel that this statement does not fit the definition of justice.

As Cephalus leaves the conversation, Polemarchus continues it. Polemarchus forms his idea of justice through quoting Simonides, ...

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...city defines justice the group of individuals hope to get a better understanding of the topic. After looking at justice within the state Socrates feels that the group should look at justice on an individual basis. It is here that he states that "justice, although it resembles a mirage, is really concerned with internal rather than external activity." This shows how justice is understanding one's self-interest before they attempt to engage in external affairs.

The arguments of all the individuals tried to define the true meaning of justice. The subject proved to be quite the challenge. Socrates logically refutes each argument and through this slowly forms his own definition of justice. He shows how self-interest influences each definition and the motives for why one chooses to be just. Through this he concludes that justice resides in the soul and individual.