The Ring of Gyges is a myth described by Plato in his famous book, The Republic. In this story, Plato discusses why people are moral and whether people would be moral if they did not have to fear the consequences of their actions.
According to the legend, Gyges was a shepherd in the service of King Candaulus of Lydia. After an earthquake, a cave was revealed in a mountainside where Gyges was feeding his flock. Entering the cave, Gyges discovered that it was in fact a tomb with a bronze horse containing a corpse wearing a golden ring, which Gyges pocketed. He discovered that the ring gave him the power to become invisible by adjusting it. Gyges then arranged to be chosen as one of the messengers who reported to the king as to the status of the flocks. Arriving at the palace, Gyges used his new power of invisibility to seduce the queen, and with her help he murdered the king, and became king of Lydia himself (Watch the video in the module to get a fuller account of the story).
After reviewing the material in this module and watching the video clip of the Story of the Gyges Ring, identify the moral of the story and explain what Glaucon’s point is in telling the story. As you formulate your thoughts, consider the following in your response:
Did Gyges act morally? Why/why not?
What is appropriate behavior and what is your criteria for your conclusions?
What motivates you to be moral? Why this and not something else?
If you had a such a ring, would your life/behavior change in any significant way, particularly in regards to work and school? Why or why not?
