In his seminal work, “The Republic,” Plato explores the concept of justice through a series of dialogues. Through his discussions with various interlocutors, Plato presents three distinct views on justice. These views serve as the foundation for the understanding of justice in Western philosophy and continue to shape our ideas about fairness and social harmony today.
Justice as a harmonious relationship between the parts of the soul: Plato posits that the human soul consists of three distinct parts: the rational part, the spirited part, and the appetitive part. The rational part is concerned with wisdom and knowledge, the spirited part with honor and courage, and the appetitive part with desires and material pleasures. According to Plato, justice is achieved when these three parts of the soul work together harmoniously, with the rational part governing the other two. This internal harmony allows an individual to act justly and live a virtuous life.
Justice as the order and reasonableness of the soul: In this view, Plato emphasizes the importance of reason in achieving justice. When an individual’s soul is guided by reason, they are able to make just decisions and act morally. This order and reasonableness within the soul manifest as an individual’s virtues, such as wisdom, courage, moderation, and ultimately, justice itself. By fostering these virtues, individuals are better equipped to navigate the complexities of life and contribute to a just society.
Justice as the giving of what is due: Plato focuses on the concept of fairness, suggesting that justice is about giving each person their due. This involves recognizing and respecting the rights, responsibilities, and inherent worth of each individual. When individuals and society as a whole strive to treat one another fairly and with respect, justice prevails.
In conclusion, Plato’s three views on justice – the harmonious relationship between the parts of the soul, the order and reasonableness of the soul, and the giving of what is due – have significantly shaped Western philosophical thought.
