In discussing justice, what does Socrates reject as a means to define it?

Socrates, in his discussions about justice, particularly in works like Plato's "Republic," seeks a definition of justice that transcends individual perspectives or benefits. He believes that defining justice purely in terms of personal benefit is fundamentally flawed, as it appeals to subjective desires and self-interest rather than a universal principle of justice that can be applied equally to all individuals.

By insisting that justice cannot be tied to personal gain, Socrates emphasizes the importance of a more objective and communal understanding of justice, one that holds regardless of individual situations or biases. This approach serves to elevate the discussion of justice beyond mere self-serving interests to a higher moral standard where the focus is on the welfare of the community and the common good.

The rejection of personal benefit as a definition of justice highlights Socrates' broader philosophical method, which involves questioning assumptions and seeking deeper truths that resonate with a collective notion of virtue and morality.