Nature vs. Convention
There is a very evident and large difference in between the views of the sophists Antiphon, Critias, and Callicles, with those of Socrates on the relationship of nature and convention. While the Sophists are all in agreement that conventions restrain nature, Socrates believed that convention was able to help develop and harmonize your nature. Although both views are completely contradictory, each has an amount of truth to it. In a lost passage from Antiphon called On Truth he discuss' his views on nature and convention. Antiphon believed that law was only to be followed when others were watching you; otherwise you may follow your own human nature, and will not be punished for it. But if the law of nature or decrees of nature are broken then it doesn't matter who sees you, for you will still feel repercussions. He believed if we could live only by natural impulses, we would be free. He questioned the benefits to the laws, and said that the laws do not stop the lawbreaker or crime. In conclusion to the passage, Antiphon points out that in the court of law, i
As Socrates says "Nature and convention can be in harmony then, if the conventions are constructed so as to develop our capacities for reason and virtue". Callicles, a false character meant to represent the extreme views of sophists, held the idea that if in nature the strong dominate the weak, then why not in convention as well? He believed conventions were made because the weak needed laws to protect them. These parts are included in a theory of The Tripartite Psyche. Socrates view of conventions is a very different and optimistic view to that of the sophists. Sophist's views believe convention strains nature, and Socrates believed the right conventions could help develop and harmonize your nature. Socrates believed to achieve virtue; you must have the right relationship within these three parts. And just like the body, our minds must be disciplined to maintain this state of health. Critias thought that fear of the gods was invented by a wise and clever man to establish convention. Critias, who was not a sophist but strongly influenced by its ideas, believed convention established the idea of gods. The overall idea of these Sophist views is that nature is inhibited by convention. The Spirited part, that holds your honor, anger, fear and shame. And that if the rational part is ruling the soul, you will have wisdom, moderation, courage, and justice. Where as Socrates believed that conventions can. This achievement of justice allows you to achieve eudemonia.
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