Summary:
"Thrasymachus: or, The future of morals" by C. E. M. Joad is a philosophical treatise written in the early 20th century. This book delves into the nature of morality and justice, examining the concept that morality is rooted in the interests of the powerful. Joad references the character Thrasymachus from Plato's "Republic" as a central figure in discussions regarding justice, arguing that the moral codes of society serve to sustain the power dynamics between the strong and the weak. In this work, Joad critiques the traditional views of morality, suggesting that what is deemed "moral" is often a social construct meant to benefit those in power while suppressing individuality and dissent. He emphasizes that contemporary morality is influenced by herd mentality, wherein the average person attempts to regulate the behavior of the exceptional out of fear and envy. Joad explores emerging social issues, including the clash between burgeoning economic independence for women and an increasing trend towards restrictive moral codes, foreseeing a tension between traditional puritanism and new freedoms in societal behavior. Throughout, he presents a thought-provoking analysis of how morals evolve and the potential future landscapes of human behavior in relation to societal expectations and pressures. (This is an automatically generated summary.)