Thrasymachus: The Challenge
Thrasymachus, a famous sophist, bursts into the philosophical conversation like "a wild beast seeking to devour." He is impatient with Socrates' method of questioning without answering. His thesis is blunt and shocking: "Justice is nothing but the interest of the stronger." Those in power make laws to benefit themselves; the strong call obedience to these laws "justice." Thrasymachus argues that rulers, like shepherds, fatten their flocks not for the sheep's benefit but for their own. Every government makes laws for its own advantage. The "just" person is merely the naive fool who follows rules made by others for others' benefit.
The Text
What You'll Learn
Comprehension
Describes how Thrasymachus enters: impatient, aggressive, like a "wild beast"
Cause & Consequence
Explains why Thrasymachus holds this view: observation of politics, realistic about power
Meaning
Takes a clear position on whether Thrasymachus is right about the nature of justice
Evidence
Cites a specific argument or phrase from the text
Defense
Maintains or thoughtfully revises position under challenge
Craft
Analyzes how Plato uses Thrasymachus's dramatic entrance to set up the stakes
How It Works
Your AI tutor will guide you through this text using the Socratic method. Instead of giving you answers, it asks questions that help you discover the meaning for yourself.
- 1.Read the text carefully
- 2.Answer the tutor's questions in your own words
- 3.Progress through each stage as you demonstrate understanding
Free to try. No credit card required.