Is Justice A Control Tool Used By The Ones Of "Higher Power"?
Cephalus, Polemarchus and Thrasymachus all provide definitions of justice that are definitionally ambiguous and morally ambiguous, but i feel that Thrasymachus definition was the most reasoned. He defines justice as nothing more than the advantage of the stronger. Though Thrasymachus claims that this is his definition, it is not really meant as a definition of justice as much as it is a delegitimization of justice. He basically states that it does not pay to be just. Just behavior works to the advantage of other people (of higher power), not to the person who behaves justly. Thrasymachus assumes that justice is a practice forced on us, and it does not benefit us to abide to it. So in Thrasymachus' eyes , I think he would say that the rational thing to do is ignore justice entirely. Especially since justice is what ones of higher power tells us it is. Thrasymachus made me think of this question: Could Justice be a control tool used by the ones Of "higher power"?
Justice is an idea, it is impossible to be perfectly defined. The "higher powers" may define the laws but laws do not equal justice look to the laws allowing slavery and persecution if you need proof. Thinking that justice is a control tool used by these powerful individuals is insinuating that they somehow have control over what you think and how you think it.
ReplyDeleteI agree and disagree with this post. I agree that justice is used to benefit the "higher power", but I also believe it works to the advantage of ones self as well. The subject of ones conscious was brought up in class. I believe we have just been conditioned to know deep down inside that certain things are wrong. Speaking from a religious stand point, some would say that we are not supposed to live for the approval of people anyway, but for the approval of God. I also agree with the comment above that says "laws do not equal justice". Is that your point of view? Are you saying you believe laws are not what defines justice, but what ever benefits the "higher power" in that particular situation? If so, this is my stance as well. I really enjoyed this post. it made me think.
ReplyDeleteI agree on the idea that justice is something used by the "higher power" to control others. I think that with that being said you still have to question what justice really is.
ReplyDeleteI partially agree with your viewpoint that justice could be merely just a control tool utilized by those of "higher power." In fact, I wholeheartedly second what Angel (above) stated about your idea. Not only does justice itself allow the "higher power" to gain some sort of benefit from the obedience of others, but it also positively feeds the conscience of every single individual who strives to live a just life.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your thoughts of justice being nothing more than the advantage of the stronger.
ReplyDeleteThrasymachus's definition of justice seems true in much of today's society because of the justice system that is in place in many of the countries of the world. The government is able to define what is just and unjust when referring to legal and illegal. Most, if not all people, have at least an objection to one law that is in place. However, we can still have are own views on what is just and try to change laws or convince others of what is really just.
ReplyDelete