Based on several philosophical studies, it is true that justice forms some of the procedures that some powerful individuals in the society always use to get what they want. Similarly, in idealistic society, justice is never rewarded. In most cases, the society is constructed in a hierarchical manner, and we have the working class, the ruling class and low class individuals, who are mostly the poor.
However, according to Socrates, it is evident that justice itself is always more beneficial than injustice. Socrates also asserts that for the society to function effectively, each individual should perform his or her duties and leaders should guide the people.
Socrates' views
According to Socrates' argument, it is evident that justice itself is always more beneficial than injustice in the society. This is mainly because the society is constructed in a manner that allows people to work in different ways. There are the leaders, the workers and the ruling class, and all this should work in harmony in order to promote peace in the society. Justice is what can drive an ideal society, according to Socrates. Justice will prevent social problems in the society such as corruption, poor governance and criminal activities.
Furthermore, Socrates claim that the community is not organized to benefit a few individuals, but should serve everyone's interest and needs. For example, those who have wisdom should guide the leaders, and those who have courage should also protect the society. This is the best way for people to achieve their daily needs, including food, clothing, sleep, sex and entertainment without problems. In most cases, a just individual is someone who desires to do good all the time and is happy when people are happy. Justice is part of democracy and in democratic environment people have the freedom to express their views and opinions towards topical issues in the society.
Justice is the only way of solving social evils such as high levels of poverty, slavery and other common problems in the community, according to Socrates. When justice prevails, a majority of people in the society are able to speak the truth and to walk freely without problems. Justice demands that people pay their debts and avoid harming others. Thus, injustice may lead to harm to others, according to Socrates.
How injustice works
In cases where injustice prevails, people's main aim is to harm others. For example, Socrates argues that a doctor can do more medical harm than someone who is not trained in medical issues. However, this argument supports the idea that justice is mainly benefiting friends but harm enemies. Justice is a virtue that only good men can afford.
In an environment where there is justice, people use the rule of law. For example, legal procedures and practices are used in guiding all the activities in the community. Criminals are punished based on legal policies, educational, medical and business operations are based on legal provisions. Thus, the society is guided by rules and laws and justice prevails.
Moreover, Socrates also posits that justice is beneficial to the stronger and those who understand their rights. For example, justice allows people to be aware about social problems, their rights and demand free and transparent procedures in all activities in the community.
However, this mostly suits the educated elite in the society since they are usually aware of the social problems and understand the right channel to demand their rights and freedom. Leaders are part of the society based on Socrates arguments, and they should take care and work towards the interest of the larger society.
Injustice cannot allow people to achieve their goals and objectives. This is because people will lack the power to support each other. Social order demands cooperation and collaboration among different elements for the society to achieve its goals and injustice do not support such arrangements. Injustice make men enemy to each other and nobody tries to do good, thus resulting into harm and problems in the society.
Socrates also claims that justice is a virtue of the soul and only good men allow it to manifest in their daily activities. Justice allows people to accomplish their goals and live well. Justice will make people happy since it is based on the need to do both extrinsic and intrinsic good to others. A just person has good reputation and only makes rational decisions. In a just environment, people have the freedom to trade, to market their good, to purchase good clothes and to live happily with each other.
Justice leads to harmony, peace and unity in the society. Justice motivates people to do good, to live happily with others and to honor others. However, Socrates also argues that for justice to prevail, people should work in harmony and should be guided by wisdom rather than the need for power. Justice is a virtue and it promotes wisdom, practical knowledge and the truth. Injustice promotes social problems in the society such as poor governance, bad leadership, corruption and criminal activities, thus provides more harm than good in the city. Justice instills both intrinsic and extrinsic need to do good in people, thus, promotes the achievement of social good in the community. In a just society, there are no conflicts and people live happily.
Article sources
http://praxeology.net/sqrepublic.htm
http://www.iep.utm.edu/socrates/