Question

 

1- According to Socrates, what is the value of justice? Why should we go to the trouble of being just? Is this discussion of justice still relevant today? How it affects economics?

2- Socrates believed that the "ideal city" should be comprised of three classes. What are these classes, and what does he believe are their proper roles?

Answer 1

Socrates defines justice as "working at that to which he is naturally best suited", and "to do one's own business and not to be a busybody" and says that justice keeps the other three cardinal virtues such as temperance, courage and wisdom. Justice is one of the most important moral concept. He says that justice is closely related to practice of charity (virtue) and argues that just life is better and pleasureable than the unjust life. Just means 'fair' in which a person does what is morally right.

Yes, this discussion of justice is still relevant today as well. The opposite of poverty is justice. A lack of access to justice leads to poverty. Justice is essential in all countries for economic growth, human well-being, and development. People living in extreme conditions of injustice are unable to resolve their justice problems, and are being excluded from the opportunities the law provides. If there will be no economic justice then economy will not be successful. If everyone would get employment opportunities and would be treated equally irrespective of their class, caste and economic status people would be able to contribute more in country's overall income. Hence there would be more economic growth and development.

Socrates believed that "ideal City" should be comprised of three classes. He believes that any interchange between these classes will do the greatest harm to the society. No person can attempt to be all-in-one as they would meddle with the equilibrium maintained in the city. There must be harmony among these three classes.

Guardians/legislators: They are philosophers who are responsible for governing and ruling the city.

Workers or producers: The labourers who make the goods and provide services in the society. For example, farmers and artisans etc.

Auxiliaries/soldiers : They are warriors of the society who keep order and protect the society from invaders.