On Glaucon
To the degree that I cease to pursue my deepest passions, I will gradually be controlled by my deepest fears. - Plato
I recently read an article about how public figures like to give off the impression that they are not well read. Doing so allows them to call out others who mis-categorize them as only being a pretty face or a phenomenal athlete. I found this quite funny as I openly proclaim my love of philosophy, especially the ancient Greeks. Perhaps I should hide my love of Bach so when people say I am a rap head I can fire back with snarky quips about counterpoint and rich harmonies.
This leads me into an essay covering my favorite interlocutor of Socrates - Glaucon. I am fascinated by power and its role in our lives. I believe it to be a what wills the world. This shouldn’t be a surprise if you have been an avid reader of mine. I often quote and cite Nietzsche and Thucydides. Sure, power corrupts but the weak get stomped. The former is more appealing to while the latter is well, repulsive.
Glaucon
Glaucon was a philosopher in ancient Greece and a student of Socrates. He is best known for his appearance in Plato's Republic, where he serves as a dialogue partner to Socrates and engages in discussions about justice, morality, and the nature of reality. Glaucon is considered to be one of Plato's key interlocutors, and his perspectives on these topics have been influential in the development of Western philosophy.
In the context of Plato's Republic, Glaucon is presented as a skeptical and critical thinker who challenges Socrates' ideas about justice and morality. He is often portrayed as a representative of the conventional wisdom of his time, which values power, wealth, and status over the virtues of wisdom, courage, and temperance. Throughout the dialogue, Glaucon questions Socrates' assumptions and pushes him to defend his views against objections. I believe that truth is relative and is shaped by power.
One of Glaucon's most famous contributions to the Republic is his presentation of the "Ring of Gyges" thought experiment. In this story, a shepherd discovers a magical ring that makes him invisible and allows him to do whatever he wants without fear of reprisal. Glaucon uses the story to argue that people are naturally selfish and would act immorally if they could do so without consequences. He challenges Socrates to show that justice is desirable in and of itself, rather than just as a means of avoiding punishment.
Glaucon's role in the Republic is to provide a foil for Socrates' philosophical arguments and to represent the perspective of the Athenian aristocracy. While he is initially skeptical of Socrates' ideas, he ultimately comes to appreciate the value of philosophy and the pursuit of wisdom. He is not totally convinced, but sees that the acquisition of wisdom can increase the value of power.
Modernity
Glaucon's ideas have had a significant impact on modern philosophy, particularly in the areas of ethics and political philosophy. His skeptical approach to morality and his emphasis on the importance of self-interest in human behavior have been influential in the development of various ethical theories, such as ethical egoism and psychological egoism. These theories suggest that individuals act primarily out of self-interest, rather than a sense of duty or obligation.
Glaucon's presentation of the Ring of Gyges thought experiment has also been influential in the debate over the nature of justice. The thought experiment raises questions about whether people would act morally if there were no consequences for their actions, and it challenges traditional assumptions about the relationship between morality and self-interest. This paragraph might ruffle the feathers of some libertarians, but it is a valuable thought experiment that is now playing out in real time in some places - see modern day San Francisco.
Glaucon's emphasis on the importance of power, wealth, and status in human affairs has also influenced political philosophy. His portrayal of the Athenian aristocracy as self-interested and skeptical of the virtues of wisdom and temperance has been cited as a precursor to modern critiques of the elite and their role in society.
Influence
Glaucon's ideas have been highly influential in shaping the trajectory of Western philosophy, and his contributions continue to be studied and debated by philosophers today.
In addition to his appearance in the Republic, Glaucon is also mentioned in other Platonic dialogues, such as the Protagoras and the Phaedo. In the Protagoras, he is one of several interlocutors who debate the nature of virtue and its relationship to knowledge, while in the Phaedo, he is one of the friends of Socrates who are present at his trial and execution.
Outside of Plato's works, there is little information about the historical Glaucon. It is not clear whether he was a real person or a fictional character created by Plato. Some scholars believe that he may have been a member of the Athenian aristocracy, given his conservative views and his association with other aristocrats in the Republic.
Despite his limited appearances in the philosophical literature, Glaucon's contributions to the Republic have been highly influential in the development of Western philosophy. His skeptical and critical approach to philosophical inquiry has inspired generations of thinkers to question conventional wisdom and to seek out new ways of thinking about the world.
Power
Glaucon's ideas have had a significant impact on political philosophy, particularly in the areas of power, justice, and social order. His portrayal of the Athenian aristocracy as self-interested and skeptical of the virtues of wisdom and temperance has been cited as a precursor to modern critiques of the elite and their role in society.
Glaucon's emphasis on the importance of power, wealth, and status in human affairs has also influenced political theories that focus on the distribution of resources and the nature of social inequality. For example, Marxist and socialist thinkers have drawn on Glaucon's ideas to criticize capitalist societies for perpetuating economic and social disparities.
Glaucon's presentation of the Ring of Gyges thought experiment has also been influential in the debate over the nature of justice and the role of government in maintaining social order. The thought experiment raises questions about whether people would act morally if there were no consequences for their actions, and it challenges traditional assumptions about the relationship between morality and self-interest.
Criticisms
There have been several criticisms of Glaucon's ideas, particularly his portrayal of human nature as inherently selfish and self-interested. Some critics have argued that this view overlooks the role of compassion, empathy, and other social emotions in shaping human behavior. They argue that people are not purely motivated by self-interest and that considerations of justice, fairness, and the common good play an important role in shaping social norms and institutions.
Others have criticized Glaucon's emphasis on power, wealth, and status as the primary drivers of human behavior. They argue that this view overlooks the importance of other values, such as love, friendship, and community, in shaping human relationships and social institutions.
Critics have also raised concerns about the implications of Glaucon's ideas for moral and political philosophy. Some argue that his emphasis on self-interest and skepticism of traditional moral values undermines the possibility of a shared moral framework that can guide social behavior. Others worry that his portrayal of the elite as self-interested and corrupt undermines the legitimacy of political institutions and the possibility of social cohesion.
Despite these criticisms, Glaucon's ideas continue to be studied and debated by philosophers and social scientists today, and his contributions to the development of Western thought remain significant.
There are several alternative views of human nature that challenge Glaucon's ideas of selfishness and self-interest. One such view is the concept of altruism, which suggests that people have an innate desire to help others and behave in ways that benefit the greater good. This view is supported by research in social psychology, which has shown that people are often motivated by a desire to help others, even at a personal cost.
Another alternative view is the concept of social constructionism, which suggests that many of the beliefs and values that shape human behavior are socially constructed. This view holds that social norms and institutions are not simply the result of individual self-interest, but are shaped by historical and cultural factors that influence how people think and behave.
Finally, some philosophers have emphasized the role of emotions such as empathy, compassion, and love in shaping human behavior. These emotions are seen as essential for building social connections and promoting cooperation, and are often considered to be the basis for moral behavior and ethical decision-making.
These alternative views challenge Glaucon's ideas of selfishness and self-interest by suggesting that human behavior is shaped by a complex interplay of social, cultural, and emotional factors that go beyond individual self-interest.
Overall, Glaucon's ideas have been highly influential in shaping the trajectory of political philosophy, and his contributions continue to be studied and debated by political theorists today. Whether it be money, power, respect or truth and wisdom - one should heed the milieu in which they live. A thorough understanding of power and wisdom will always be valuable. So, do as the elite do and spend your time accruing power and wisdom.