How do you think Socrates, Mother Teresa, Leonard da Vinci, or Steve Jobs (for example) would act being in possession of Gyges ring?
In The Republic, Thrasymachus argues to Socrates that there is really no such thing as Justice [i.e. an abstract virtue or moral principle.] What we call "justice," he says, is simply whatever those in power say is just and they generally say it because it is benefits them. Those in power, for instance, say that stealing is wrong because they want an orderly obedient society. Yet, having control over the means of government, those in power, use force to 'legally' steal from us in the form of 'taxation'. Therefore, Thrasymachus suggests, we should actually aim at living a life of injustice. So long as we are not caught, this would be in our own best interest and would afford us the greatest enjoyment in life.
Though Thrasymachus gets frustrated by Socrates and doesn't stay around to finish the conversation, Glaucon tells Socrates he will take up the 'devil's advocate' position so that they can investigate whether or not Justice really exists, what its nature is, and what its function is. Glaucon refines Thrasymachus' position by recounting the Myth of Gyges ring. The myth tells of a man who acquires a ring that will turn him invisible. In doing so, Gyges commits all sorts of heinous and immoral acts with his ring. He acquires wealth and status and he seems to live the perfect life: He can commit injustice to the extent that it benefits him, while never getting caught and he can live a life where everyone thinks he is just! Glaucon recounts this mythical story and says to Socrates: Now prove to me why someone who has Gyges' ring should not commit injustice!
This story poses an interesting thought experiment with implications for human nature. What do you all think?
Some potential discussion topics: Would EVERYONE who came to possess Gyges ring commit unjust and immoral acts? If so, why? If not, why not? Who would be able to resist? What would enable such a person to not commit injustice? Because they are foolish? Weak? Virtuous? Religiously devout? What does the anonymity of the internet and social media suggest about our tendency to say/do bad things when no one knows it is really us saying/doing those things? How do you think Socrates, Mother Teresa, Leonard da Vinci, or Steve Jobs (for example) would act being in possession of Gyges ring?
The fundamental lesson that we are getting from this plot is we all should be living a very disciplined life and what all actions we are taking in present or would be taking in future should be fair and just ones no matter from what section of society we all are belonging from whether advantageous or weaker. Like, if someone is belonging from higher section of society they should focus on fair utilization and equal distribution of public resources among different section of people living in our society instead of exploiting them which is very common in today's era. Now coming to weaker section of society, they should also utilize resources for better cause instead of exploiting them. Like, duty of government being guardian of a state or a nation is to develop and implement various rules laws, orders, schemes for welfare of citizens, nation instead of getting into corruption. Citizens also should obey them respect them their orders by follow norms and conducted oneself accordingly like giving tax to government, driving safely, not taking alcohol before driving, not killing anyone to name a few.
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