Summary of Plato's Republic Book 2

This article provides a summary of Plato's Republic Book 2 where Socrates is challenged to prove the worthiness of justice by constructing a State that will try justice against injustice and conduct a trial of an innocent individual. Glaucon and Adeimantus challenge Socrates to prove the worthiness of justice and Socrates accepts the challenge. The article also discusses the qualities of a guardian and the importance of following stories that have a positive message.

Running head : SUMMARY OF PLATO’S REPUBLIC BOOK 2
SUMMARY OF PLATO’S REPUBLIC BOOK 2
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SUMMARY OF PLATO’S REPUBLIC BOOK 2
In the book two of Republic written by Plato, we see that Socrates is content with his
decision of justice but others are not. Glaucon, one of Plato’s friend tells him about their
dissatisfaction with his conclusion. Glaucon further states that all the goods and material wealth
can be identified in three broad categories: items desired by men for their purpose, like physical
training and treatment of medicines. Secondly, items desired by men for the sake of their
personal liking, like joy. The third requirement is the desires that denote personal liking as well
as knowledge that is received from sources such as gaining knowledge or sight as well as health.
It is desired by Glaucon that Socrates can prove that justice is a thing of requirement and it
perceives to one of the highest class of items that are required: those desired both for their own
sake and for their consequences (Jowett,2000). Glaucon points out that everyone desires justice
because they are scared of injustice not for the sake that it should be practiced. Plato firmly
believes that, “For a young person cannot judge what is allegorical and what is literal; anything
that he receives into his mind at that age is likely to become indelible and unalterable; and
therefore it is most important that the tales which the young first hear should be models of
virtuous thoughts.”
Glaucon further makes a heartfelt request for supplicating the legend belonging to the
ring of Gyges. He states that most people link justice with "the arduous things that ought to be
shunned for themselves but pursued for profit and a reputation based on appearance." The
legend is about a man with a ring, which possesses the ability to make anyone invisible. Glaucon
says that anyone in possession of this ring can behave wrongfully and do whatever they want
without having the fear of injustice. Glaucon wants to prove that in this world people are just
because they are scared to face the consequences of their wrongdoings. He says that being unjust
is rational for every man and further says that “the unjust man enjoys life better than the just".

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SUMMARY OF PLATO’S REPUBLIC BOOK 2
Adeimantus, the brother of Glaucon joins the conversation and says that nobody praise justice
for its own sake but only because it comes with its own reward (Jowett,2000). He further says
that justice and injustice are misinterpreted and misconstrued because parents and educators
teach these concepts in the wrong manner. He then blames the poets and opines that to some
extent even these poets and their poetry is to be blamed for the misconception of the idea of
justice. Glaucon further states that human nature is to follow injustice but laws and regulations
compel us to be just and fair. If given an option, everyone will be the servant of injustice as it is
more rewarding.
Both of them challenge Socrates to prove the worthiness of justice. Socrates accepts the
challenge and a method suggested that is the role of justice would be examined in the State rather
than that of the individual. At the same time, construction need to be undertaken based on the
viability of the State, which includes the Republic. Socrates' method of approaching the dilemma
to prove the worth of justice in man’s life is by first constructing of a State that will try justice
against injustice and, secondly conduct a trial of an innocent individual. Examination of the need
of the city is done. Socrates further elaborates that a city requires the following things such as
citizens, food and shelter for the people living in it, place to live in, traders, merchants, and
markets to carry out trade, currency, labors and other important things. According to Scorates
for luxury items and services, a larger city is required. This can lead to the outbreak of war and
warfare requires soldiers and a large army. He says that the city needs a guardian and a guardian
has some specific qualities like he must be kind and gentle with his own people but harsh with
outsiders (Jowett, 2000). The guardian must have the curiosity to learn and discover new things,
a philosopher, must possess sound knowledge in poetry, music and sports. Socrates states that
poets like Homer and Hesiod, in their books tell stories of Gods and his men committing unholy

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SUMMARY OF PLATO’S REPUBLIC BOOK 2
deeds and behaving in an ungodly manner. These tales instigates men to act unwisely and
unjustly. Thus, no man should follow these examples. The citizens must follow the stories that
have a positive message and talks about good deeds of man.

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SUMMARY OF PLATO’S REPUBLIC BOOK 2
References
Jowett, B. (2000). The republic. Courier Corporation.