In the Republic, Plato attempts to argue that justice is the kind of good the is both good for its own sake,
and for the sake of its consequences. In the process of doing so, he constructs an ideal city, Kallipolis,
which is perfectly good, and so must be just. In this paper, you will reconstruct and explain parts
Glaucon’s argument that justice is only good for its consequences, and describe Socrates’ method of
defense for his own view.
So, in a paper of 4-6 pages, explain Glaucon’s division of goods, his explanation of the origins of justice,
and his argument for the idea that individuals do justice unwillingly. Then, introduce Socrates’ defense of
his own position. Why does he propose to construct an ideal city, and what are the guiding principles of
its formation? Are there good reasons to doubt these principles?