Plato s Theory Of The Just Person s Psychology - 1889 Words

John M. Cooper wrote a piece called the Psychology of Justice in Plato. In the article, Cooper examined Plato’s theory of the just person’s psychology. Cooper’s main goal in the writing of this article was to find out what kind of person is just according to Plato, and to figure out whether it is correct or not. Cooper’s discussion was more about the Republican’s metaphysics rather than its political and moral theory. In this paper, I will be comparing Plato’s theory of a just individual’s psyche versus Cooper’s understanding of Plato’s definition and his objections to Plato’s theory. In Plato The Republic, Plato’s theory of the just person’s psychology consists of reason, spirit and appetite. According to Cooper, justice must be†¦show more content†¦Since Socrates admits (Plato 2000, 472b) that there is no one that can fulfills these conditions perfectly, then anyone who can get as close to perfect will count as just. I argue that there is at least one individual who can fulfills these conditions, also, even if one can get close to perfect, that person cannot count as a just person, because he or she was not able to fulfill the conditions perfectly, only those who possess the ability to fulfill the conditions should be called just. On Plato account the function of the reason is to rule with wisdom, but what does wisdom entail? According to Plato, wisdom meaning the ruler must possess the knowledge of â€Å"what is beneficial for each and the whole† (Plato 2000, 442c). To count one to be a just person, not only the reason is playing its part, but also one’s reason must possess the knowledge in order to perform its job thoroughly and sufficiently. First and foremost, we have stablished that not one is just unless they have the knowledge of what is best to do. Plato conspicuously defines a city’ courage as â€Å"deep dyed belief (not knowledge) of th e soldier-class†, and denies the condition of belief makes the soldiers brave, it only gives them â€Å"civic bravery† (Plato 2000, 430c). Since the condition of the belief is different than the condition of the knowledge, then Plato is saying that the soldier-class are not justShow MoreRelatedPsychology Is The Study Of Behavior And Mental Processes972 Words   |  4 PagesWhat is psychology? Scientifically psychology is the study of behavior and mental processes. More in depth thinking of it, psychology is the study of the psyche, or soul. As Carl Jung stated â€Å"Every psychology problem needs a spiritual solution†. By this he means the only way to solve problems psychologically, people must understand themselves in â€Å"breathe, spirit, and soul†. 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