This paper discusses Plato's Republic, Book II. The philosophers introduce a new definition for justice that is more political than it is purely philosophical: that justice is a legally enforced compromise devised for the mutual protection of citizens of a state. The argument is made that justice is a fabrication of the state that prevents its citizens from harming one another. Socrates is unhappy with the idea that justice does not exist naturally, but rather must be externally imposed to discourage unjust behavior. Socrates proposes the creation of a State in which justice will be tried against injustice. In his State, Socrates would assign each man a single occupation that suits his natural ability and desires, and these occupations would be carried out only when necessary in order to avoid waste.
