The Ring of Gyges (Essay Sample)

The Ring of Gyges
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The Ring of Gyges
"Ring of Gyges" is an illustration of power, and it shows people that if they had a particular set of power, nobody would be trustful. In this case, justice is not made to bring equity but rather to victimize; thus, it is injustice rather than justice. Justice is an important entity, and it is the most moral artifact in the world. Glaucon establishes that justice is a virtue set in a rational manner whereby one system does not tamper with other parts. According to Plato, justice should be inclusive, equitable, and fair to the involved parties. However, in "Republic book II" Glaucon's sentiments claim that human beings are always unjust and lack moral principles and qualities3.
Therefore, justice is not enough in determining what is just in these scenarios. Glaucon's argument oppose Socrates and Plato's thoughts on what justice should do in society. Both Plato and Socrates' sentiments resonate around moral uprightness in society. He (Glaucon) uses intensive arguments to show that justice is consequential, meaning it is self-interested. Furthermore, Adeimantus supports Glaucon's argument that justice is beneficial, therefore, injustice3. The primary item in Glaucon's mind is that people only see justice because it is beneficial to them one way or the other. Justice develops a strong rapport with the people in society, reflecting its benefits rather than finding the truth. "Republic book II" shows different types of good; Plato and Socrates argue that justice elements fall under the instrumental goods (consequential). Instrumental goods are essential things such as medicine.
Glaucon uses these artifacts to show the relationship between injustice and justice. From the people's point of view, justice is essential; however, Glaucon sees it in a contrary way; for example, he says, "injustice is morally good, but the law can force an individual to be against it." Therefore, nobody can be just willingly, and people can be unjust without being forced or barred from it. Everyone has desires, and some are selfish hence unjustifiable; however, people engage in injustice activities for their excellent and others. People are just because they have no option to do the opposite; otherwise, most people would be unjust in their entire life. Glaucon's "The Ring of Gyges" shows that justice is only valuable when people do not engage in injustice activities. For example, Gyges is a fictional character used by Glaucon to show injustice in the society1. Gyges pursues an opportunity of invisibility to engage in unjust activities. The ring he acquired turns him invisible whenever he twists a figure. This is a piece of evidence that people are naturally unjust, and they will use any opportunities available to do the wrong thing.
Gyges use the power of seduction to win the queen's heart and plot to kill the king. Gyges plan to take over the kingdom, and in this case, the ring that he used protected from the injustice consequences2. Glaucon uses an explicit demonstration to show how people are not moral. For instance, if two people (just and unjust) are given similar rings with similar power (power to disappear), they would engage in unjust activities. Therefore, if the just man took advantage of the invisible ring, it justifies Glaucon's argument. His argument would be correct because it shows that people are not just by choice, and justice is self-interested. Notably, if there were no justice in the world, people would have the freedom to do whatever they wanted to satisfy the desires1.
Moreover, they would override the aspects of just and pursue injustice since there are no consequences. "The Ring of Gyges" is a perfect story that shows the elements that uphold justice in society. People do just act because they fear the consequences of injustice. Therefore, injustice is not necessarily the cure to immoral activities but rather an act to gratify one's desires.
From Glaucon's perspective, an unjust man would live a beneficial life in society compared to a just man. His