The Ring of Gyges

In the realm of this tale, there are no hobbits, dwarves, or Valkyries to be found. Long before these characters graced the pages of literature, the legend of the Ring of Gyges emerged over 2,000 years ago in Plato's "Republic." The story unfolds as the philosopher Socrates and his student Glaucon engage in a discourse about the nature of justice.

Is it because people inherently strive to do what is right? Or is it merely a social convention enforced through punishment and reward? Challenging Socrates, Glaucon presents a captivating story. Many ages ago, a shepherd named Gyges tended to his flock when a powerful earthquake rent the earth, revealing a hidden chasm. Drawn into its depths, Gyges encountered a bronze horse with its central chamber's doors ajar. Inside, he discovered the colossal corpse of a giant, adorned with a golden ring on its finger. Gyges pocketed the ring and retraced his steps. Sitting among his fellow shepherds, he absentmindedly toyed with the mysterious ring and suddenly, upon turning its stone, he became invisible.

Empowered by the ring's supernatural abilities, Gyges saw new horizons before him and conceived a nefarious plan. Disguised by the ring, he infiltrated the palace of the king of Lydia, seduced the queen, and convinced her to betray her husband. In due course, Gyges, once a humble shepherd, assassinated the monarch and seized the throne. Glaucon recounts this tale to demonstrate how individuals may seemingly benefit from acting unjustly. If given the chance to fulfill their desires without facing consequences, wouldn't any rational person be tempted to follow in Gyges' footsteps?

Delving deeper into this argument, Glaucon classifies all things good into three categories. The first includes those we desire for their inherent value, such as harmless pleasures. The second consists of things we desire solely for the benefits they bring, even if they may be burdensome, like exercise or medicine. The third class comprises things we desire both for their intrinsic value and the rewards they offer, such as knowledge and health.

Glaucon argues that justice falls into the second category—it is a burden, yet it brings rewards. According to him, individuals act virtuously primarily due to external influences, and appearances of virtue matter more than actual virtue itself. However, Socrates, as portrayed by Plato, disagrees. He counters that justice belongs to the third category of good, providing both extrinsic and intrinsic benefits. Socrates posits that the human soul consists of three parts: reason, spirit, and appetite. Reason guides individuals towards truth and knowledge, while spirit represents righteousness, ambition, and the source of noble actions. Appetite, on the other hand, represents base bodily desires.

In Socrates' view, a philosopher is led by reason, and their spirit keeps their appetite in check, making them the most just and happiest individuals. Even if they could act selfishly without consequences, they would choose not to do so. In contrast, a tyrant succumbs to their appetites and acts unjustly. Therefore, while Gyges may have acquired power and wealth, Socrates implies that his soul would be in disharmony. Gyges would be enslaved to his base desires, lacking guidance from reason, and consequently, he would not experience true happiness.

Plato's discourse on justice found resonance in the works of other philosophers throughout history. Confucius, the Chinese philosopher, reasoned that by simply acting justly, one also benefits oneself. Modern Western philosophers offered diverse perspectives as well. Thomas Hobbes argued that in the state of nature, violence and selfishness prevail, necessitating the imposition of justice by authority. John Locke, on the other hand, asserted that people are inherently obligated to act justly and willingly participate in civil society to secure their natural rights.

The allegory of the ill-gotten magical ring, which entices its wearer towards their darkest desires, continues to inspire contemplation and philosophical discourse. So, if the ring of Gyges were to fall into your hands, what would you do?

Henrik Leandro