Single Idea 12

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / B. Value / 2. Values / i. Self-interest]

Full Idea

Glaucon: with a ring of invisibility 'the just man would differ in no way from the unjust'.

Gist of Idea

If we were invisible, would the just man become like the unjust?

Source

Plato (The Republic [c.371 BCE], 360c)

Book Reference

Plato: 'Republic', ed/tr. Waterfield,Robin [OUP 1993], p.48


A Reaction

I think a highly altruistic person would behave well with the ring, but I'm sure Glaucon would claim that these habits would wear off after a while. But I doubt that.