THE REPUBLIC OF PLATO - Studyplace

I. 336] THRASYMACHUS INTERVENES 15
provokes a violent protest from T hrasymachus, who represents the
doctrine that might is right in an extreme form. He holds that
justice or right is nothing but the name given by the men actually
holding power in any state to any actions they enjoin by law upon
their subjects; and that all their laws are framed to promote their
own personal or class interests. 'Just' accordingly means what is for
the interest of the stronger, ruling party. Right and wrong have no
other meaning at all. This is not a theory of social contract: it is
not suggested that the subject has ever made a bargain with the
ruler, sacrificing some of his liberty to gain the benefits of a social
order. The ruler imposes his 'rights' by sheer force. The perfect example
of such a ruler is the despot (the Greek 'tyrant), whose position
Thrasymachus regards as supremely enviable. He is precisely
the man who has the will and the power to 'do good to himself and
his fr£ends and to harm his enemies:
The discussion begins by clearing up the ambiguities of Thrasymachus'
formula. The word translated 'stronger' commonly means
also 'superior' or 'better'; but 'better' has no moral sense for
Thrasymachus, who does not recognize the existence of morality.
The superiority of the stronger lies in the skill and determination
which enable them to seize and hold power. 'Interest,' again, means
the personal satisfaction and aggrandizement of the ruling individuals.
ALL this time Thrasymachus had been trying more than once to
break in upon our conversation; but his neighbours had restrained
him, wishing to hear the argument to the end. In the pause after
my last words he could keep quiet no longer; but gathering himself
up like a wild beast he sprang at us as if he would tear us in
pieces. Polemarchus and I were frightened out of our wits, when
he burst out to the whole company:
What is the matter with you two, Socrates Why do you go on
in this imbecile way, politely deferring to each other's nonsense
If you really want to know what justice means, stop asking questions
and scoring off the answers you get. You know very well it is
easier to ask questions than to answer them. Answer yourself, and
tell us what you think justice means. I won't have you telling us