The Republic Prelude

I. Answer the following questions – short answer (about a couple of sentences or more)

• Who are Cephalus and Polemarchus?
  They are friends of Sinonides who argue over how justice works.
  

• What is the profession of Cephalus?
  Cephalus is a a businessman.
  

• What was Cephalus doing right before the discussion that took place?
  He was talking with his sons and some other people out in a courtyard.
  

• According to Cephalus, what are the virtues of old age?
  The virtues of old age are to be free and happy. Old age lets you be free so that in this part of life you don't have to have strong feelings and you can have peace.
  

• What is Cephalus’ view of justice?
  Caphalus' view of justice is if you tell the truth and pay your debts.
  

• What is Socrates response?
  Socrates says that those things are not the definition of doing right.
  

AND

II. Write a one paragraph response to the following question:

• Do you agree with Cephalus or with Socrates? Why? If you don't agree with either of them, write about which one you think makes the stronger argument - even if you think it is not "right" - and why?
  
  I think neither of them is right exactly because justice is based on the law, truth, opinion, and it depends on what is going on. But I also think both of them can be right. It just depends on what you are dealing with. I think Cephalus makes the stronger argument because I actually live by honesty and truth so since I have to pick one of them, I would pick him because I know the kind of way he thinks of things. I also think that telling the truth is the best way to go because usually honesty is better than lying and making things up. And honesty makes things easier. Paying your debts is also the right thing to do because if you owe somebody something and unless they say it is ok not to, you should pay your debts. It is not right to deny something you have done. Denying you are in debt can lead to bad things.
  

AND

III. Try to give this a shot, if you can’t answer it that’s okay: What do you think Cephalus represents? What is particular or unique about his view of justice compared to the others you have discussed in class?

I think Cephalus represents the kind of person who is neutral in the crowd and who tries to do his best. He tries to stay out of trouble by doing what is right. Cephalus' view of justice is similar to one of ours that we have discussed in class. His is about telling the truth and paying your debt which is one of the choices we could discuss.