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All 8 Flashcards — Why be just?
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Question
The invisible-ring challenge?
Answer
Why be just if you could be unjust with no consequences? It tests whether justice is good in itself or only for reputation.
Question
Plato's decline of regimes (in order)?
Answer
Timocracy → oligarchy → democracy → tyranny — as reason loses control, each regime rots into a worse one.
Question
Timocracy?
Answer
Rule by spirit/honour — a warrior society that loves victory and status more than wisdom.
Question
Tyranny (in the decline)?
Answer
Rule by one lawless appetite — a single craving takes over; the tyrant is the most enslaved of all.
Question
Why is the tyrant NOT happy?
Answer
His soul is at war with itself — ruled by endless cravings, never satisfied, never at peace.
Question
Why is the just person happiest (Plato)?
Answer
Their soul is in harmony, with reason in charge — calm, free and self-controlled, which is what happiness really is.
Question
Sharpest objection to Plato's 'justice pays'?
Answer
He may redefine happiness as 'a soul in harmony', so the just person wins by definition rather than by real argument.
Question
How is a prescribed text assessed?
Answer
On Paper 2 — open-book, 1 hour: (a) Explain a concept [10] and (b) Evaluate a claim [15].
Read the notes
Full study notes for Why be just?
Topic 10.8 hub
The Republic, Books IV–IX — Plato
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