Long before H. G. Wells wrote The Invisible Man, Plato (428– 348 BC), in The Republic, described a shepherd named Gyges who, according to a Greek legend, discovers a ring that enables him to become invisible when he turns its bezel. Gyges uses his magical powers to seduce the queen, kill the king, and take over an empire. If we have similar powers, why should we feel bound by moral constraints? In particular, if professionals are sufficiently powerful to pursue their desires without being caught for malfeasance, why should they care about the good of the wider public?

This question simply asks why should we care about others when we have the means to achieve what we…

Answered: Long before H. G. Wells wrote The…

10th Edition

ISBN:9780134641287

Author:Elliot Aronson, Timothy D. Wilson, Robin M. Akert, Samuel R. Sommers

Publisher:Elliot Aronson, Timothy D. Wilson, Robin M. Akert, Samuel R. Sommers

Chapter1: Introducing Social Psychology

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 1RQ1

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Long before H. G. Wells wrote The Invisible Man, Plato (428– 348 BC), in The Republic, described a shepherd named Gyges who, according to a Greek legend, discovers a ring that enables him to become invisible when he turns its bezel. Gyges uses his magical powers to seduce the queen, kill the king, and take over an empire. If we have similar powers, why should we feel bound by moral constraints? In particular, if professionals are sufficiently powerful to pursue their desires without being caught for malfeasance, why should they care about the good of the wider public?

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