Levels of Morality

Thrasymachus in his argument states that an “unjust life is better than the just life” (347e). In many cases this may be true; however, in others, an unjust life (or act) may eventually hinder others. In a lighter atmosphere, an unjust act such as cheating in a friendly poker game at home may not harm anyone that badly; however, what about the consequences? For example, money may become an issue and even friendships may be lost. Another example may be at a high school soccer game, where a forward acts as if he is fouled in the box and receives a penalty kick to change the result of the game. These are minute and less serious acts of injustice; however, what about a criminal act? From the degree of murder to a corrupt politician, many feel that it is better to live an unjust life than a just one.

Take Brazil into consideration, it is the 73^rd most corrupt nation in the world according to the Corruption Perception Index (CPI). It is not that the entire country is corrupt, it is more specifically the Ministers of Tourism, Education, Public Affairs, etc, who are. These Ministers pretend to be just towards its citizens by promising projects, reforms, supplies and more only so that their policies can be passed and in the end, they pocket some cash. In the end, some of these policies are not even emplaced. The politicians pretend to be just, but in the end are not and benefit from it.

In Crimes & Misdemeanors, we see the two main characters Cliff and Judah, living unjust and immoral lives. Judah is a successful ophthalmologist who has been having an affair with a flight attendant, Dolores, for over two years. When his “happy” life is put into danger by Dolores threatening to tell his wife, Judah takes his immorality to another level by hiring his brother Jack to do his dirty work. What needs to be taken into consideration is Judah’s happiness. We see throughout the movie that Judah’s happiness is at a high when he is with Dolores; however, when he fears she will ruin is other life of wealth and stability, things get out of control. So which life does Judah really prefer…true love with Dolores or the other one with money, lies, and a fake marriage? In the case of Cliff, he is a character that wishes to be immoral but is too scared to actually go through with it. He desires to be unjust towards Lester by attempting to ruin his career and also by having an affair with Halley. Here we can question the values behind Cliff. He appears to us as a family man, when he takes care of his niece and as a weak husband longing for his marriage to end.

I believe that happiness can be achieved differently for everyone. Some people may commit unjust acts, while others may be just in order to gain their desired happiness. But which is wrong and which is right? Who has more values? Morality is achieved between human beings, but if each one acts for different motives how could morality be achieved? It is a difficult dilemma to comprehend.