Socrates vs. Thrasymachus in the Republic

The Republic is one of the finest examples of a Platonic dialog. The subject matter discussed therein is difficult to summarize, at best. Covering subjects such as politics, the fine arts, education, it is no wonder so many have written volumes analyzing its various aspects. However, the driving force behind the many discussions is pursuit of the answer to the simple, yet evasive question, "What is justice?" The heart of the debate on justice begins …

…be more ignorant than the just. To illustrate the shortcoming in the second claim, Socrates points out among thieves and murderers there must be justice in their relations with one another. If this were not true and they were wholly unjust, they would not trust anyone and be incapable of working together, Socrates notes. By showing complete injustice is chaos and disunity, not a source of strength, Socrates shows the second claim to be false.