Socrates
If the specific combination of gentleness and fierceness required of the Guardians could not be found in nature, then: Socrates' strategy of seeking an explanation of justice in social/political arrangements would be doomed The principle of the division of labor would turn out to be unhelpful in organizing societies Cooperation would be impossible Society would have to create it by nurture which is correct?
If the specific combination of gentleness and fierceness required of the Guardians could not be found in nature, then we must engage in a profound exploration of the implications that would follow. Firstly, it is essential to understand that justice, according to my own philosophical inquiry, must find its roots in the social and political arrangements established within a society. If the specific combination necessary for the Guardians to fulfill their duties cannot be found within the natural order, then the very foundation upon which justice rests would crumble before our eyes. It is through the virtuous actions of the ruling class that justice is implemented and upheld, and thus, the absence of this unique blend of gentleness and fierceness within the Guardians poses a dire threat to the existence of a just society. Furthermore, the principle of the division of labor, which has long been regarded as a fundamental organizing force in societies, would reveal itself to be impotent in the face of such a predicament. The division of labor presupposes that individuals possess inherent qualities and abilities that allow them to perform specific tasks within a community. Yet, if we cannot locate within nature the precise mixture of gentleness and fierceness required of the Guardians, then the entire notion of dividing labor and assigning roles based on natural inclinations becomes obsolete. We would be left in a state of disarray, uncertain of how to allocate responsibilities and ensure the cohesion of our society. Moreover, if the specific combination of qualities crucial to the Guardians cannot be found within nature, we are faced with the harrowing prospect that cooperation, the foundation upon which any functioning society rests, would become an impossibility. Cooperation necessitates individuals working together towards a common goal, each contributing their unique talents and expertise. But if the delicate balance between gentleness and fierceness is absent from nature, then fostering cooperation would be an arduous task, as individuals would lack the essential qualities required to engage in collaborative efforts. Society would be left fragmented, with each individual pursuing their own self-interests, and the collective well-being would be forfeited in favor of isolated pursuits. Ultimately, in a world where the necessary balance between gentleness and fierceness is not found in nature, society must strive to cultivate these qualities through nurture. It becomes the responsibility of the community to guide and shape individuals, molding them into the virtuous Guardians required for the preservation of justice and the proper functioning of society. This shift from relying solely on the natural order to deliberate cultivation highlights the profound challenges humanity faces in striving for an ideal society. It prompts us to question the very nature of nurture, the extent of our influence, and the limits of our ability to shape the qualities necessary for a just and harmonious community. The exploration of this dilemma requires deep thought and philosophical contemplation to arrive at a cohesive and meaningful understanding of the human condition and the potential paths we may undertake towards a just society.
