Single Idea 1590

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / B. Value / 2. Values / f. Altruism]

Full Idea

First, Socrates, you told me justice is harming your enemies and helping your friends. But later it seemed that the just man, since everything he does is for someone's benefit, never harms anyone.

Gist of Idea

The just man does not harm his enemies, but benefits everyone

Source

Plato (Clitophon* [c.372 BCE], 410b)

Book Reference

Roochnik,David: 'The Tragedy of Reason: the Platonic logos' [Routledge 1990], p.101


A Reaction

Socrates certainly didn't subscribe to the first view, which is the traditional consensus in Greek culture. In general Socrates agreed with the views later promoted by Jesus.

Related Idea

Idea 2 We should not even harm someone who harms us [Socrates]