The Ethical Egoist in Platos Republic Essay - 989 Words

The ethical egoist is one who believes that it is morally right to act strictly in ones own self-interest. Understandably, this belief poses a threat to social cooperation and, therefore, clearly introduces a significant political problem. I believe that the best example of ethical egoism is displayed in Book I of Platos The Republic. In this Book, Plato introduces the idea of ethical egoism, explains the political problem posed by it, and addresses the problem through the words of Socrates. I will use this paper to explain and clarify the arguments for and against the concept of ethical egoism, with specific focus on the political problem it poses and the proper approach to addressing that problem, in terms of Platos social†¦show more content†¦Thrasymachus represents and argues for the ideas of the ethical egoist, which are founded on the concept of pursuing self-interest alone while simply disregarding the interests of others. Thus, ethical egoists wish to completely do away with justice and other similar concepts of moral standards. Thrasymachus believes that justice is simply the advantage of the stronger (The Republic, Book I, 338c). He believes that the entire idea of justice is a convention created by powerful men and used as an excuse to exercise power and force weaker men to obey their laws. When men are forced to obey laws, they are then obeying the wishes of the powerful. Therefore, the ethical egoist does not believe that being just is worthwhile because it only works toward the advantage of other people―those people that are most powerful―and thus adhering to justice is not beneficial to us. He believes that a ration and good man will ignore justice entirely. Clearly, the ideals of the ethical egoist pose extreme political problems. Frankly, the entire foundation of a political system is the understanding of justice. The existence and cooperation of a political body relies on justice to provide a common ground fr om which practical political deliberations can take place. With the understanding that there is no natural moral authority, humans find it necessary to put together and establish the social rules necessary for social cooperation. ThatShow MoreRelatedThe Ethical Egoist: Whats the Problem in Plato’s The Republic, Socrates824 Words   |  3 PagesIn Plato’s The Republic, Socrates tries to explain the value of justice to man. Other educated Athenians challenge him, however Socrates pokes holes in all of their statements. Socrates argues that there are many problems with their views on social philosophy, especially when it comes to Thrasymachus’ idea of ethical egoism. Plato delivers his view of justice through Socrates when he responds to Thrasymachus, Glaucon, and Cephalus on the issue. Throughout the discussion, Plato never argues againstRead MoreEgoism, Psychological And Ethical, And Altruism1141 Words   |  5 Pagesquestions bring to the surface the topics of egoism, psychological and ethical, and altruism. Egoism in general means that people think of their own advantage. They have high opinions of themselves and dote on themselves. Meaning they live and breathe off of self-praise. Most of the time this word has a negative connotation to it, and it is looked down upon (Flynn 459). Egoism falls into two categories: psychological and ethical. The term psychological egoism refers to the mindset that there is noRead MoreThe Moral Philosophy Of Ethical Egoism2536 Words   |  11 PagesPhilosophy of Ethical Egoism â€Å"Let him be the best of men, and let him be thought the worst; then he will have been put to the proof; and we shall see whether he will be affected by the fear of infamy and its consequences. And let him continue thus to the hour of death; being just and seeming to be unjust. When both have reached the uttermost extreme, the one of justice and the other of injustice, let judgment be given which is the happier of the two.† – Glaucon, from The Republic (Pojman, Vaughn