What is the mindset of a very powerful person who flaunts society’s political and moral norms? Perhaps this kind of person is thinking that if you have enough power, injustice pays. In the first book of Plato's Republic, he gives us the character Thrasymachus, who argues that justice is for suckers: "A just man always gets less than an unjust one.... Injustice, if it is on a large enough scale, is stronger, freer, and more masterly than justice" (343–344). Importantly, Plato devotes the rest of the Republic to refuting this cynical view. In light of today's politics, it may be instructive to look back at Plato's insightful analysis of Thrasymachus. At this P4L, we will read and discuss passages from Book One, in an attempt to understand Thrasymachus's assumptions and reasoning.
Join the Zoom here.
What is P4L?
Students, professors, and other philosophy enthusiasts close-read and discuss a few great passages of philosophy.
Who's invited?
No preparation or previous knowledge of philosophy is needed. Everyone is welcome!
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