lers only when they are performing their proper function. However, Socrates inquires into what their function is. Is it not similar to the function of other useful arts? Doctors serve the sick; ship captains serve sailors; horse trainers serve horses. Socrates implies that knowing how to serve well is the special knowledge of each profession. Rulers need to know how to serve the interests of the state. Thus, like other professionals, rulers do not pursue their own advantage, but the advantage of those who need their help. Thrasymachus, upset at Socrates’ refutation of his definition, insults Socrates. Then he begins a speech, feeling that by using persuasive rhetoric he can win the argument and admiration of the young men. Nonetheless, Socrates’ argument against him was not very strong. However, Thrasymachus’ speech does not help him. He makes a thoughtless comparison between shepherds who fatten sheep for their own appetites and rulers who fatten people for the same reason. He then raises the issue that the greatest happiness belongs to the wrongdoers (tyrants for example), not to those who are wronged.Socrates then says that true rulers do not rule willingly. He compares the function of rulers to the functions of other professionals. Socrates says that the aim of true rulers is to provide for the welfare of the state and that true rulers are forced into leadership in order to avoid being ruled by people who less ability than them. Socrates asks why should rulers want to rule? Is it better to be provided for than to provide for others? Socrates says that because leadership is such a demanding, thankless job that rulers, like other professionals, deserve financial rewards for their services. Socrates’ argument shows that leadership is like any other useful profession because it takes special skill and knowledge. Socrates, through whom Plato speaks, uses analogies (rulers are like professionals) to persuade the yo...
