Abstract

Socrates' position in the Republic is usually opposed to the position taken by Thrasymachus, and with good reason. Still, there may be some value in recognizing the extent of their agreement. Both men see clearly what is going on in Athens. Thrasymachus, however, sees no further: this is the way things are, and there is nothing to indicate that they will ever get better. Socrates accepts Thrasymachus' factual statements. Indeed, he has little choice but to accept them, especially if he is to head off the criticism that his account bears no relation to the real world, or to the reality that most people, including Thrasymachus, see. To move beyond Thrasymachus' description of what is, Socrates must find a way to convert the question from one of fact to one of value. Only then will he be in a position to ‘persuade those who will listen’