Study Questions for Republic 434d-445e

1. Socrates says that the same concept of justice applies to individuals as to cities (societies). Does this seem right to you? Does a just person have the same qualities as a just society?

2. How does Socrates argue that there must be different parts of the human soul? (436-441)

3. “...sometimes there are thirsty people who don’t wish to drink.” (439c) What is this supposed to tell us about the human soul?

4. How does Socrates define justice in the individual person? (443)

5. Does this show (as Glaucon seems to think) that justice is obviously a good thing for the individual, like health? Would only a fool not want to be just?