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Plato's Ring of Gyges analogy and insight into human nature.

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Consider the ââ?¬Å"Ring of Gygesââ?¬Â? argument, Platoââ?¬â?¢s thought experiment gives us a very particular view of human nature. The thesis that what is ethically right to do is what advantages a particular individual is known as ethical egoism.
1.The question at hand is: do humans naturally tend towards justice or injustice?

2. What would you do if you were given the ring of Gyges? (Or one of Tolkienââ?¬â?¢s rings of power?)

3. Do you believe humans are inherently selfish? Or compassionate?

4. Present an argument for your answer to #2. Provide evidence in terms of a social example.

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Solution Summary

This is a discussion of Plato's analogy of the Ring of Gyges. The basic selfishness of the human race is examined. Rather than seeking justice for all we seek pleasure for self. Over 600 words of original text.

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Consider the "Ring of Gyges"Â? argument, Plato's thought experiment gives us a very particular view of human nature. The thesis that what is ethically right to do is what advantages a particular individual is known as ethical egoism.
1.The question at hand is: do humans naturally tend towards justice or injustice?
Humans naturally tend towards injustice. It is in our natures and injustice is the overwhelming choice that is made when confronted with an either/or scenario. If you examine human history you will see time and again evidence that when offered the choice between selfishness and selflessness nearly every person in history has chosen selfishness. Napoleon's destructive campaign into Russia and his divorce of Josephine for Maria Luisa in order to obtain an heir provides one example. Henry VIII's infidelity in order to obtain an heir is another example. Hitler's manipulation of others, the American army giving smallpox infected blankets to Indians, the African slave trade, the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II and the reluctance to allow black baseball players into the Major Leagues are ...

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