In Book II of Plato’s Republic, Glaucon, Plato’s brother, uses the myth of Gyges’ ring to demonstrate that no one does good willingly.
The Myth of Gyges’ Ring
The story follows Gyges, a shepherd in the service of the king of Lydia. After an earthquake, Gyges discovers a hidden cave containing the body of a giant wearing a golden ring. Gyges takes the ring and soon realizes that it grants him the power of invisibility when he turns the bezel inward.
Empowered by this ability, Gyges commits a series of immoral acts without fear of being caught. He seduces the queen, murders the king, and claims the throne. The ring allows him to act with total impunity, exposing his true desires and ambitions. The myth raises a fundamental question: if humans could act without fear of consequences, would they choose to do good—or would they surrender to selfish impulses?
Gyges’ Ring and Human Nature
The myth of Gyges’ ring highlights essential questions about human nature and justice. Glaucon presents this story to challenge Socrates, suggesting that humans act justly not out of virtue but because society constrains them. According to Glaucon, justice is a social convention. People behave morally not from genuine goodness, but from fear of punishment or social disapproval.
Human Nature and Injustice
The myth illustrates that when external constraints—such as laws and social norms—are removed, people’s true motivations emerge. Gyges, an ordinary shepherd, becomes a tyrant once he is invisible. Without the scrutiny of others, humans would naturally follow selfish and unjust desires. This view paints a pessimistic picture of human nature, suggesting that injustice is our default tendency, held in check only by fear of repercussions.
Justice as a Social Construct
Glaucon argues that justice has no intrinsic value. If people could act unjustly without consequence, like Gyges, most would choose to do so. This implies that laws exist primarily to protect individuals from harm, rather than to reflect a higher moral ideal.
Socrates’ Response
Socrates, however, rejects this cynical view of justice. He contends that justice is essential to the health of the soul. Committing injustice—even in secret—corrupts the soul and prevents individuals from achieving eudaimonia, or true fulfillment. Justice, Socrates argues, is not merely a social convention; it is fundamental to inner harmony and genuine happiness.
See also: Ares and Athena, gods of war.
In conclusion, the myth of Gyges’ ring suggests that people do not act morally if they are free from the judgment of others. Glaucon uses it to show that without social constraints, humans would reveal their naturally unjust tendencies. Socrates counters this view, asserting that justice is vital for the integrity of the soul and for achieving true happiness.
