ETHICS Why Be Moral? Plato tells the story of Gyges (The Republic, Book II), a shepherd, who finds...

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Psychology

ETHICS

Why Be Moral?

Plato tells the story of Gyges (The Republic, Book II),a shepherd, who finds a magic ring. When Gyges turns the ring 180˚,he becomes invisible, and upon turning the ring again, hereappears. Under the cloak of invisibility he performs a series ofunethical and immoral acts, including murder. He is a villain androgue yet becomes wealthy and famous. Gyges not only accruesbenefits by appearing to be moral but also enjoys the bounty reapedfrom wrongdoing with no punishing consequences – he will never becaught!

Now imagine a second magic ring given to a just and uprightindividual. Will the temptation to engage in wrong-doing forpersonal gain be too great? Knowing there will be no punishingconsequences, would a good person quickly turn into a scoundrel?Given the situation just described, why the need to be moral?

What would you do if you were given a Gyges ring?

Discuss your answer in 100-150 words minimum.

For further references:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qjGp6TWqe4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMl4AeBpVQE

Answer & Explanation Solved by verified expert
3.9 Ratings (466 Votes)
When the magic ring is given to a just and upright individual there are less chances that he will be tempted to do wrong doings for personal gain even though he knows that there will be no punishing consequences for his behavior    See Answer
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