Plato's allegory of the ring - Alex Gendler
TED-Ed・4 minutes read
The legend of the Ring of Gyges from Plato's Republic illustrates how people would act unjustly if granted invisibility to fulfill desires consequence-free, according to Glaucon. Socrates argues that justice belongs to the third class of good, providing both extrinsic and intrinsic benefits and leading to genuine happiness.
Insights
- Glaucon uses the story of Gyges to propose that people would act unjustly if they could do so without repercussions, categorizing justice as a burden with rewards but not pursued for its inherent value.
- In contrast, Socrates argues that justice is a good in itself, belonging to the third class of goods, providing both external and internal benefits. He emphasizes that true justice stems from reason, controlling base desires and leading to authentic happiness.
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What is the legend of the Ring of Gyges?
A magical ring grants invisibility, leading to immoral acts.
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Summary
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Power of invisibility leads to moral corruption.
- The legend of the Ring of Gyges, originating over 2,000 years ago in Plato's "Republic," tells the story of Gyges, a shepherd who discovers a magical ring that grants him the power of invisibility. Gyges uses this newfound ability to commit heinous acts, ultimately leading to murder and claiming a kingdom.
- Glaucon, a student of Socrates, uses Gyges' story to argue that people would act unjustly if given the chance to fulfill their desires without consequences. He categorizes goods into three classes, with justice falling into the second class - a burden that brings rewards but is not pursued for its own sake.
- Socrates, on the other hand, counters Glaucon's argument by stating that justice belongs to the third class of good, offering both extrinsic and intrinsic benefits. He believes that a truly just individual is guided by reason, keeping their base desires in check and leading to genuine happiness.
