e unjust are happier than the just. In previous arguments Socrates showed that justice is a virtue, a human excellence. Socrates now has to show that human action that is excellent brings happiness. Socrates says that the excellence of eyes is to see and the excellence of ears is to hear. Excellence in those things, as with all things, means doing well in performing one’s function. People who do well are blessed and happy. Thrasymachus agrees with Socrates so far. Then Socrates reminds Thrasymachus that he had earlier admitted that justice is an excellence of character. Thus, is must follow that the just person is the happy person.Socrates then sums up his statements. Injustice is never more profitable than justice, no matter how you argue Thrasymachus. Although Socrates realizes he has refuted Thrasymachus, he also realizes his argument is incomplete. The most important issue – what is the nature of justice – has not been solved. Justice is an excellence of human character and a source of happiness. However, knowing these things is just a beginning. What is the just life? Therefore, Socrates concludes that more investigation is needed. Plato does not argue whether it is more moral to live justly, but rather whether it is more beneficial, whether the just life will make one happier. ...
