EPISODE · Apr 5, 2026 · 50 MIN
#29: Plato Was Wrong About Justice? | C. D. C. Reeve
from Let’s Discuss · host The Prometheans
What would you do if you could act unjustly with zero consequences? Plato asked this question over 2,000 years ago — and his answer still cuts to the heart of what it means to be human.In this episode of The Prometheans, Ali Zaka (AZD) sits down with C.D.C. Reeve — Professor of Philosophy at UNC Chapel Hill and one of the world's leading translators and interpreters of Plato — to explore what the Republic really teaches us about justice, the soul, and the good life.They discuss:🔹 Thrasymachus' challenge: Is justice just the advantage of the stronger?🔹 The Ring of Gyges — would you remain just if no one was watching?🔹 Why the unjust tyrant is actually the most miserable person alive🔹 The tripartite soul: appetitive, spirited, and rational desires🔹 Philosopher Kings and the justification for epistemic authority🔹 Why "helping friends and harming enemies" fails as a definition of justiceThis isn't just ancient philosophy — it's a mirror held up to power, politics, and your own inner life.📚 Recommended by Prof. Reeve: Five essential books for students of philosophy Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@prometheans789?si=EiGTj4LDR8ve-QSy
What this episode covers
What would you do if you could act unjustly with zero consequences? Plato asked this question over 2,000 years ago — and his answer still cuts to the heart of what it means to be human.In this episode of The Prometheans, Ali Zaka (AZD) sits down with C.D.C. Reeve — Professor of Philosophy at UNC Chapel Hill and one of the world's leading translators and interpreters of Plato — to explore what the Republic really teaches us about justice, the soul, and the good life.They discuss:🔹 Thrasymachus' challenge: Is justice just the advantage of the stronger?🔹 The Ring of Gyges — would you remain just if no one was watching?🔹 Why the unjust tyrant is actually the most miserable person alive🔹 The tripartite soul: appetitive, spirited, and rational desires🔹 Philosopher Kings and the justification for epistemic authority🔹 Why "helping friends and harming enemies" fails as a definition of justiceThis isn't just ancient philosophy — it's a mirror held up to power, politics, and your own inner life.📚 Recommended by Prof. Reeve: Five essential books for students of philosophy Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@prometheans789?si=EiGTj4LDR8ve-QSy
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#29: Plato Was Wrong About Justice? | C. D. C. Reeve
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