In a word, what is justice? Can anyone define it? Should man strive to be just, and is it in his best interest if he does so? Socrates and other philosophers argue about justice in the book, Plato's The Republic. This book is an examination of the "good life"; the harmony reached by applying pure reason and justice. The ideas and arguments of Plato center on the social settings of an ideal republic- those that lead each person to a more perfect life. Socrates reputation for good conversation is already well established. In the beginning of this book he is approached by some amateur philosopher acquaintances and drawn into dialogue. The discussion quickly moves to the topic of justice, thanks to Socrates. Hypothetically, it is unlikely at this point that any of these philosophers, except Socrates, anticipates the ambition and enormity of their undertaking. Throughout the arguments, he uses analogies and induction's to help understand the individual's definition. That usually makes the other person sound like an idiot, and then they continue on with more discussion. All the same, this book deals with the soul, choices, and describes justice as the ultimate "form" of man and the ideals he should strive for. Whether or not Socrates defines the "true" meaning of justice is disputable. Nevertheless, Plato's Republic has come to be known as a great philosophical masterpiece. .
Several characters in the book give what they believe to be a definition of justice. Trasymachus, a very narrow-minded man and a target on Socrates questioning, states " for the unjust is lord over the truly simple and just." (17) He believes that crime pays. Socrates disagrees with Trasymachus and states that that the unjust man does not have more knowledge, and injustice does not bring strength or happiness. Polermarchus stated his idea of justice, "doing good to your friends and harm to your enemies." But, in this, the faults are easily apparent and Socrates is quick to point them out.