Write me a summary on Plato, The Ring of Gyges reading from THE MORAL LIFE: An Introductory Reader In Ethics And Literature. Edited by Louis P. Pojman and Lewis Vaughn

Question

(Oxford University Press) Seventh Edition, 2022.

Add what the reading is telling the reader about. What is the message?

One-Page Response Papers: Over the course of the term, you are required to submit fourteen one-page Response Papers. You pick the fourteen assigned readings you want to write about. Since there are more than fourteen readings to choose from, not everyone will write about the same fourteen topics. Write in complete sentences using Standard English grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Response Papers need to be between 500 and 700
words.

Your Response Papers must consist of two paragraphs.
-In your first paragraph, the task is to demonstrate that you have carefully read the text assigned for that day, by explaining, in your own words, what is going on in a particular section of it. You can choose to write about one paragraph, or one page, from the text assigned for that day. You must include a brief quotation (or two) from the passage you are writing about, and you must indicate the quotation’s page number. Put the source [either Moral Life] and the page number, in brackets right after the quotation. i.e., ...
“Some things are up to us, some are not up to us” (Moral Life, p.388). I will assume you are using the assigned Seventh Edition of the textbook. If you are using a previous edition of the textbook, indicate which version in your citation. Do not spend any time on biographical information about the philosopher.
-In the second paragraph, the task is to demonstrate that you have thought critically about this portion of the text by offering some sort of critical response to it (i.e. what you think about the ideas in this portion of the text, and why you think that). The second paragraph must be at least as long as or longer than the first paragraph

Answer 1

In "The Ring of Gyges," Plato presents a thought-provoking narrative through the character of Glaucon, who recounts the story of Gyges, a shepherd who discovers a ring that grants him invisibility. The story raises profound ethical dilemmas about human behavior and morality. Upon acquiring the ring, Gyges exploits his newfound power to commit acts that reflect a stark departure from justice. He seduces the queen, murders the king, and seizes the throne, illustrating how anonymity can lead to moral depravity when societal consequences are removed. Glaucon uses this tale to argue that people are inherently self-interested and that justice is upheld only because of societal recognition and fear of repercussions. He challenges Socratic notions of virtue by wondering if anyone would act justly if they had the ability to do wrong without consequence, stating, “If he were to be able to do anything that he wishes, you would see him acting unjustly” (Moral Life, p. 78). This narrative serves as a catalyst for discussions on the nature of justice, the role of morality in human behavior, and the implications of power without accountability.

Critically, Plato's portrayal of Gyges' descent into tyranny raises essential questions regarding the essence of morality and human nature. It paints a rather grim perspective on humanity, suggesting that without external checks, individuals will succumb to their basest instincts. This perspective can be seen as overly cynical, as it neglects the capacity for inherent goodness and altruism that can exist within individuals. While it is true that power can corrupt and that anonymity may embolden immoral actions, many arguments in favor of intrinsic morality challenge the idea that humans will always act unjustly if given the chance. People often act altruistically in various circumstances without the need for external surveillance, motivated by empathy or ethical beliefs. Thus, while Plato’s narrative powerfully illustrates the moral dilemmas posed by unchecked authority and human desire, it also invites a critical examination of our potential for ethical behavior, even in the absence of societal constraints. Ultimately, "The Ring of Gyges" compels readers to reflect not only on the nature of justice but also on the complexities of human morality and the potential for goodness that can exist alongside self-interest.