Socrates and Cephalus

(Originally written September 12, 2006 in Book 10)

Classics of Philosophy
Louis Pojman

Republic
Plato

Chapter 1: Convention under attack

Socrates is talking with an old man, Cephalus. Cephalus is explaining to Socrates about old age. He explains to Socrates that old age is not as troubling as it seems. The old men that complain do so because they are naturally grumpy.

He agrees with Sophocles that in old age men can escape evil masters like sex.

Socrates points out to Cephalus that many people would be skeptical of his account of old age and say that it is not Cephalus' character that makes him good-tempered in his old age, but his enormous wealth. Cephalus states that money is good to have but does not make a person good. The character of a good man will give him hope in old age, but the character of a bad man will haunt him in old age.

Socrates asks Cephalus what he believes to be the greatest benefit of being rich is. Cephalus contends that the greatest advantage to being rich is to be able to pay all of one's debts and leaving wealth for one's children.

To Cephalus the definition of morality is always telling the truth and repaying all debts.

Socrates asks Cephalus if it is right to give weapons back to an insane man or tell the insane man the absolute truth. Cephalus agrees that it is not and thus, Cephalus' definition of morality does not pass the test.