Justice Problem in Plato’s Republic (first book)

Abstract

The article deals with the concept of justice in the first book of Plato’s Republic. Rejecting
the myth of the first book’s separate edition I try to elucidate the significance of the Cephalus’
and Polemarchus’ episodes in the dialogue. I argue against the Julia Annas’ thesis of the
Cephalus’ ‘moral complacency’ and try to show his rather positive character in Plato’s view.
The main points discussed in this paper are the importance of the question ‘how to live’ for the
discussion on justice in this dialogue, the concept of the ‘due’ in the Polemarchus’ definition and
the connecting links between the justice and the good.