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Flip to reveal answersThe three 'faces' of justice?
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All 8 Flashcards — What is justice?
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Question
The three 'faces' of justice?
Answer
An idea (giving each their due), an ideal (a perfect standard we aim at), and a process (a fair procedure we follow).
Question
Thrasymachus' claim about justice?
Answer
There's no real standard — the strong make laws that suit them and call them 'just', so justice is the will of the stronger.
Question
Plato's reply to Thrasymachus?
Answer
We can call the powerful UNjust, so justice must be a real standard above any ruler's wishes.
Question
Plato on what justice IS?
Answer
A harmony — each part doing its proper job in a soul and a society — discovered, not invented by the powerful.
Question
The self-refuting move in Thrasymachus (Go further)?
Answer
Saying the strong only 'pretend' to be just already uses a real idea of justice — so justice must be more than power.
Question
Idea vs ideal vs process — why it matters?
Answer
People arguing about justice often mean different faces, so they talk past each other; naming the face is the first step.
Question
Is justice invented or discovered?
Answer
Thrasymachus: invented by power. Plato: discovered, like a real standard the powerful can fail to meet.
Question
Why does 'what is justice?' come first?
Answer
If justice is only power, every fairness question collapses — so we settle it's a real standard before asking how to be just.
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Justice
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