3/19-Republic Assignment

1) Notice that our reading on Thrasymachus is divided into two parts. The first part is entitled – “First Statement and Criticisms”. In this first part, what are Socrates’ main argument(s) against the idea that justice is whatever the strong (i.e. the government) says it is?
Socrates points out that most politicians and leaders make decisions based on their best interest, thus saying anything against their best interest is against the law. But, what if one of the strong gives out a wrong order by accident that ends up hurting them, it is against the law, but the leader gave that order so the people must obey it.

2) In the second part – “Second Statement and Final Refutation” – what are Thrasymahcus’ two main points and what are Socrates’ two main points in response?
Thrasymachus main points: justice is the interest of the stronger party and that injustice is the interest and profit of oneself
Socrates main points: no one really wants authority and with it the job of righting other people's wrongs, unless paid for it and all wise men would prefer the benefit of this service at the hands of others rather than the labor of affording it to others themselves

3) In your opinion, is it ever right to harm somebody? Why or why not? What would Socrates and/or Thrasymachus say in response to your answer?
There is a time and place for fighting. But, if nobody ever fought or harmed anyone there would be no need for fighting others. I feel that the only time to harm someone is in self-defense. If you are getting beat up are threatened, you would fight back to live right? But going around fighting people for no reason or stupid reasons is very unjust.