Book 1

Questions

1. Who is our narrator?
2. What important points do Cephalus and Socrates discuss about old age?
3. How does Simonides define justice?
4. How does Socrates punch holes in Simonides's argument?
5. How are virtue and justice tied together?

Answers

1. Socrates
2. That getting old doesn't have to be so bad; it brings both peace and freedom. Attitude and character have a lot to do with attitudes people have toward aging.
3. Giving back what you owe someone.
4. He says that being unjust brings harm to others and being just does not. Harming a dog or horse makes them worse, so harming your enemy makes him/her worse. This can't be justice because "it is never just to harm anyone."
5. Virtue is what leads us to happiness and a good life so being unjust (because it's not a virtue) can't provide a better outcome than being just. Virtue is justice.