[340a]
are commanded to perform.” “Yes, by Zeus,
Socrates,” said Polemarchus, “nothing could be more
conclusive.” “Of course,” said Cleitophon,
breaking in, “if you are his witness.”1“What need is there
of a witness?” Polemarchus said. “Thrasymachus himself
admits that the rulers sometimes enjoin what is evil for themselves and yet
says that it is just for the subjects to do this.”
“That, Polemarchus, is because Thrasymachus laid it down that it
is just to obey the orders2 of the rulers.” “Yes,
Cleitophon, but he also took the position that the advantage of the stronger
is just.
1 It is familiar Socratic doctrine that the only witness needed in argument is the admission of your opponent. Cf. Gorgias 472 A-B.
2 τὰ κελευόμενα ποιεῖν is a term of praise for obedience to lawful authority, and of disdain for a people or state that takes orders from another. Cleitophon does not apprehend the argument and, thinking only of the last clause, reaffirms the definition in the form “it is just to do what rulers bid.” Polemarchus retorts: “And (I was right), for he (also) . . .”
Plato. Plato in Twelve Volumes, Vols. 5 & 6 translated by Paul Shorey. Cambridge, MA, Harvard University Press; London, William Heinemann Ltd. 1969.
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