Republic Assignment

DUE FRI, 3/16 Plato Assignment
Read: Part I Introduction, Prelude pp. 2-8 (all of the Prelude)

Who are Cephalus and Polemarchus?
Polemarchus is socrates friend. It is his house in which the scene from the book takes place. His father is Cephalus.

What is the profession of Cephalus?
He is a Business man.

What was Cephalus doing right before the discussion that took place?
He was preparing/taking part in the daily sacrifice.

According to Cephalus, what are the virtues of old age?
As long as you are living a happy life at an old age, you should minimize you're intensity of your desires.

What are Cephalus’ view of justice?
He thinks that justice is telling the truth and paying one's debts.

What is Socrates response?
He replies with the point that this idea of justice, is not always just. He gives an example; if you were to borrow a weapon from a mad man, it would not be smart, or "justice" to return it to your friend, although returning it represents "paying ones debts." This meaning, sometimes you must break the law to be just/get justice.

II. Write a one paragraph response to the following question:
Do you agree with Cephaus or with Socrates? Why? If you don't agree with either of them, write about which one you think makes the stronger arguement - even if you think it is not "right" - and why?
I think both have their strong points in the argument. I liked Socrates' example of the mad man and the weapon, but Cepheus' definition is in general, is true to me. It seems as though Socrates believes that if someone says something that he doesn't agree with, there has to be something wrong with their point of view. Socrates has yet to offer an alternative to his idea, and i doubt he plans on it.