According to Plato; justice is the excellence of our souls.
While reading the Republic of Plato, and The last days of Socrates justice was always a main issue throughout both books. One strong quote from the reading text that supports my thesis statement is " justice is the excellence of the soul? the just soul and just man will live well, and the unjust man will live ill? And he who lives well is blessed and happy, and he who lives ill the reverse of happy?The just is happy, and the unjust miserable? happiness and not misery is profitable? injustice can never be more profitable than justice." This quote from Plato leaves me with the understanding that he believed justice to derive from one's soul.
Plato believes there are three "parts" to the soul, which corresponds to three virtues and three different interest of humans. The reason applies to those who seek knowledge to attain the virtue of wisdom. Spirit is the part of the soul used mostly by those who seek honor thereby using the virtue of courage. Desire wants pleasures and is regulate by the virtue of temperance. Justice does not appear on any list of virtues, but applies to them all. Justice regulates all virtues, so one doesn't take over completely. Reason and Spirit are mostly in charge with the help of justice which makes sure that one part of the soul doesn't overshadow the others. Plato was highly dissatisfied with the prevailing conditions in Athens. The Athenian democracy was on the verge of ruin and was ultimately responsible for Socrates death as acknowledged in The last day of Socrates. Plato saw justice as the only remedy that could save Athens from decay and ruin. In Plato's philosophy justice was of great importance. He used the Gree ...