The Republic, Conventional View of Justice Developed

A) In your opinion, is Polemarchus definition of justice, derived from the poet Simonedes, an improvement from his father’s definition?

His father's definition is to tell the truth and pay your debts. Polemarchus says we must be consistent and help and injure both friends and enemies. I don't think his is an improvement over his father's because I think it is hard to understand.

B) What is Simonides definition of justice? Has Polemarchus interpreted him correctly?

Simonides definition of justice is to give everyone their due. Polemarchus, in a way, has interpreted him correctly if you look from the perspective of judgment because if you judge a person you judge them based on whether they are good or bad.

C) What problem does Socrates see in the phrase, “helping one’s friends and harming ones enemies”? Why is this not an accurate definition of justice?

Socrates sees that Polemarchus is confused and he tells him that you must help both your friends and your enemies, that it isn't just to help just your friends.

D) What lesson do you think Socrates/Plato is trying to prove by having Polemarchus give in to Socrates when his father (Cephalus) would not?

Socrates is trying to teach him the truth of what is right and what's wrong and what should be done and what should not be done.

E) Whose argument do you find more convincing, Polemarchus or Socrates? Why?

I find Socrates' argument more convincing because he seems to know more about justice. Socrates' has some very good examples of justice. Socrates explains how transactions between people are like a chess game. He asks if a just man is a "good and useful partner or just a chess player." What this means to me is that justice is like a game and if you are a good person with a open-minded partner and you don't ask questions and just play by the rules, then you are okay. On the other hand, if you try to cheat at the game, then you are a bad person. To summarize this as simply as possible, Socrates seems to be saying if you're good, you're fine; if you're bad, there are consequences.