PHi2603-Disc6
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Discussion 6 50 52
8/11/23, 6:03 PM Page 1 of 38
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In Plato’s Republic, he tells the story of the ring of Gyges, (re-told on p.29 of
your Combating Corruption textbook). Would you want that ring? If you had
it, what would you do with it?
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8/11/23, 6:03 PM Page 2 of 38
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Lindzi Allen (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/72848/users/125428)
Jul 17, 2023
8/11/23, 6:03 PM Page 3 of 38
Reply
The story/fable “ Ring of Gyges” in a nutshell talks about a Shepherd that
is out tending his flock one day and there was an earthquake that
cracked the ground open. The shepherd had never seen anything like it
and climbed into the opening finding treasures one of which was a
brazen horse with doors. Inside the horse he found a corpse wearing a
ring. Gyges took the ring and climbed out of the space. At a monthly
meeting of shepherds, Gyges happened to spin the ring turning him
invisible to the rest of the room. The other shepherds in the room
began talking about him like he wasn’t there. The story goes on to say
that Gyges went and seduced the Queen and helped her kill the King
taking the kingdom for his own.
At the end of this story it asks if a ring was placed on the finger of a
“Just person” and one also on a “unjust person”, what the outcome may
be. I think that the article is right, there isn’t a human alive that wouldn’t
be tempted to do things that are not socially acceptable or that crossed
the line in some way. Even the most ethical person could be tempted to
talk themselves into doing something that isn’t 100 percent ethical if it
benefitted someone that they cared about. This is just like saying a “
little white lie” wont hurt anyone. One lie will lead to another and
another.
I don’t think I ever want to have anything like that. I would like to think of
myself as an ethical person but “heavy is the head that wears the crown”
also comes to mind as I think about my reply to this discussion. The ring
would be equivalent to a crown for a king/queen. There are choices that
have to be made that would decide the life and death of those under
them. This would then ripple effect out to those that love those
individuals and so on and so forth with how that would effect them and
their outlook on life.
8/11/23, 6:03 PM Page 4 of 38
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Richard Grego (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/72848/users/1367)
Jul 19, 2023
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This is a great point!... I also wonder though, on the other hand,
whether having this opportunity places us under an ethical obligation
to take advantage of it for humanity's benefit? Is it right to just
ignore this power when it could be saving countless lives right now?
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Richard Grego (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/72848/users/1367)
Jul 19, 2023
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Ashley Biddle (She/Her) (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/72848/users/117309)
Jul 22, 2023
8/11/23, 6:03 PM Page 5 of 38
Reply
Hello Lindzi, I said the same thing about how tempting it would be to
do bad things with the power of the ring no matter how ethical a
person might be. I feel as though everyone has always wondered
what goes on in a certain place when they are no there that could
include work, home, or meeting with a group of friends or spouse. It
is hard to resist the urge of knowing what people say or do when your
no there. Also, the temptation to steal things you may want in life and
knowing you will no get caught is going to be an ethical battle that
many will lose. Overall, invisibility will be the biggest ethical choice
that a person will have to make because there are so many negative
temptations that come with it.
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Mary Harris (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/72848/users/111354)
Saturday
Hi Lindzi,
When you mention, "I think that the article is right, there isn’t a
human alive that wouldn’t be tempted to do things that are not
socially acceptable or that crossed the line in some way." This
can vary depending on the culture, environment, and individuals
involved. When it comes to social situations, whether the person is a
"just person" or "unjust person" it should be important to them what
they consider socially acceptable. Generally speaking, being
respectful, polite, and considerate of others is always a good thing,
but a "just person" probably wouldn't care one way or the other,
especially when it comes to ethical behavior.
8/11/23, 6:03 PM Page 6 of 38
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Madison Buehnemann (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/72848/users/110927)
Jul 19, 2023
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After reading the fable "Ring of Gyges" by Plato, and seeing the
resolution it had on one Shepherds mentality, I don't believe that I would
ever want that type of power. However, if the ring just so happened to slip
on my finger, and I realized that I could become invisible, I think that I'd
use it for the power of good. Kind of like paying good deeds forward.
However, I believe that type of power can corrupt even the most ethical
of souls. Knowing the possibilities that could result in having such a
power would also mean needing the mental discipline to not allow it to
be used even for "convenient" things. Those types of behaviors, I believe,
lead to an even bigger risk of developing an "untouchable" (literally and
figuratively in this situation) type of mentality.
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Lindzi Allen (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/72848/users/125428)
Jul 19, 2023
8/11/23, 6:03 PM Page 7 of 38
Reply
I agree! When I was telling my husband about the discussion and
what it was about he said it sounded like the story in Harry Potter.
Which it honestly did and it made me wonder if that is what the basis
was for the story. If the ring in that story made the character go mad,
I think even of there could be positive benefits of having it, it
wouldn't be worth me losing my sanity.
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Ashley Biddle (She/Her) (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/72848/users/117309)
Jul 22, 2023
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Hello Madison, I agree with your discussion point. I feel as though
the comments for this discussion all agree with invisibility being an
ethical burden for everyone even the most kindhearted. Also, I can
sometimes be very ignorant so I would most likely forget once the
ring slips inward I would turn invisible, and I would just twirl the ring
around my finger or take it off and leave it somewhere. I cannot be
left with things of great importance because I am forgetful. Another
big challenge is keeping the ring away from others, so they do not
steal it and I do not want that burden of having to defend myself all
the time.
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Richard Grego (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/72848/users/1367)
8/11/23, 6:03 PM Page 8 of 38
Jul 23, 2023
Reply
Great points all around....I wonder if there might be a way of building
accountability into the possession of this power?
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Tatiana Johnson (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/72848/users/71694)
Jul 24, 2023
Reply
I agree with the corruption of ethnicity the Rings of Gyges could
possess due to the theory that every action has a reaction. Any good
could be bad for someone or something no matter the intentions. I
believe the power of invincibility shouldn't be allowed for anyone to
use because nobody has the mentality and integrity to control such
power not even the President of the United States. Although I think
our country would just use it for military gain.
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Ashley Biddle (She/Her) (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/72848/users/117309)
Jul 22, 2023
8/11/23, 6:03 PM Page 9 of 38
Reply
In Plato's Republic, the story of the ring of Gyges is used as a thought
experiment to explore the nature of morality and the influence of power
on human behavior. According to the story, Gyges, a shepherd, discovers
a ring that grants him the power of invisibility when he turns the ring
inwards on his finger. With this newfound power, Gyges can act without
fear of being caught or facing consequences for his actions.
According to Statista.com, 17 percent of America would love to have the
superpower of invisibility. Statista.com did a survey in the United States
between April 12-17, 2018. This survey included 2,122 respondents older
than 18 who had a choice of any two superpowers. Even with 17 percent
of America stating they would choose invisibility as a superpower; I do
not think I would like it.
Being invisible and invading someone’s privacy is not ethically correct.
There is an old saying “if you go looking for trouble, trouble will find you.”
I feel as though having the ability to become invisible will test my ethical
code of integrity because I would be sneaking around in other peoples’
business. I could use invisibility for good by catching a bad guy on the
run or other acts of righteousness but there will always be temptation to
sneak around for the wrong reasons and I do not think I could personally
resist that urge.
Published by Statista Research Department, & 9, N. (2022, November 9).
United States - preferred super powers of Americans in 2018. Statista.
https://www.statista.com/statistics/832262/preferred-super-powers-of-
americans/
8/11/23, 6:03 PM Page 10 of 38
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Richard Grego (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/72848/users/1367)
Jul 23, 2023
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Fascinating statistic!!! I'd think the percentage there would be much
higher!!
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Richard Grego (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/72848/users/1367)
Jul 23, 2023
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Lindzi Allen (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/72848/users/125428)
Aug 1, 2023
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Oh wow!! I didn't know there was a statistic out there about that. That
was an awesome bit of information to add. I think I would be right
there with you in not wanting the ring. I would love to think that I
wouldn't do anything unethical but temptation would be
overwhelming.
8/11/23, 6:03 PM Page 11 of 38
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Elisia Cobbin (She/Her) (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/72848/users/133602)
Jul 24, 2023
8/11/23, 6:03 PM Page 12 of 38
Reply
I do not desire to have a ring like that but if I had the option in the
current world I would definitely take the ring and use it to better my
situation.The world revolves around money. I could go on for days about how
I can use this ring to financially fix my life up and make sure my kids have
generational wealth. But the short version is using the ring to gain entry into
multiple banks until I hit a monetary goal I am satisfied with. I would then
find my way into the white house reading things regularly citizens aren't
supposed to know about. I could use that information to get ahead whether I
leverage the information or use it personally. I would have time to sit on
phone calls, meetings, or anything privately shared of high ranked rich people
to get more information needed to set my life up and secure finical gains so
that my income contentiously comes in.
I would probably do something about helping all the African Americans by
doing something that no one could take away. I won't go too deep into that
being this isn't a history class. I would harass politicians until they make
America great or atleast do something good for the non elite citizens in
America. Pushing for a better country is definitely important to me. After that
I would take a very long vacation and enjoy my time. I don't have intentions
or desire to harm anyone or bring harm to people. I would probably destroy
the ring before getting too old because I know what I would do with it but I
don't know what others would and knowing it could get in the wrong hands I'll
destroy the ring. If the expectations are for me to hold an ethical standard
then that would go out the window the second I disappear.
I think it is impossible to remain ethical when put in that situation. It would
be a waste of a ring if you didn't do something good with it and you cant do
good without doing something bad in someones eyes.
8/11/23, 6:03 PM Page 13 of 38
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Tatiana Johnson (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/72848/users/71694)
Jul 24, 2023
Reply
There is nothing wrong with financial gain, but your ways seem
dangerous yet interesting. I was thinking about selling them to a
museum or something. The information you will seek reminds me of
another series of mission impossible. I believe it is impossible to
remain ethical with the possession of the rings, especially with the
telescope we are under now and the economic changes we are
enduring. Change comes with numerous sacrifices and I applaud you
for wanting to make that stand for African Americans.
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Richard Grego (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/72848/users/1367)
Jul 25, 2023
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This is a very nuanced and complex analysis of how the moral
perspectives on the situation might be viewed in many ways. So the
grave consequences of allowing for the possibility of the ring falling
into the wrong hands in the long-run outweighs the potential for good
things that ot could accomplish in the shortrun?
8/11/23, 6:03 PM Page 14 of 38
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Mary Harris (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/72848/users/111354)
Saturday
Reply
Hey Elisia,
I can understand you wanting to do something good for a group of
people, but it's a scary thought to imagine what could happen if too
much power falls into the hands of someone with ill intentions, like
the ring in the fable. The consequences could be disastrous and
affect countless people. Not to mention the right/ethical thing to do
will suddenly be out the window.
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Tatiana Johnson (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/72848/users/71694)
Jul 24, 2023
I would not desire the "Rings of Gyges", the power of invincibility is
needed when someone wants to hide from their malice intents or
someone who is afraid to show people who they really are; I am neither.
The Lydian used those rings to hide his malice ways from the world; the
king had already given him permission to be his messenger why did he
need to disappear to kill him? Furthermore, I wonder if Lydian was a
benevolent person before he found the Rings of Gyges. Plato and Adler
asked, "What would our actions be if we had no fear of being observed ?"
I do believe everybody has thoughts and actions that will never be
8/11/23, 6:03 PM Page 15 of 38
Reply
I do believe everybody has thoughts and actions that will never be
spoken of or done because of the fear of being canceled, judged, or
imprisoned. Although those who do do what they think and feel does that
truly make them a bad person?
In the episode "The Tyrant" Dr. Chase tampered with test results that
cause President Dibala's death. Although Dr. Cameron was the only one
who had a problem with treating a malicious man. Dr. Cameron may have
had multiple thoughts of what she would have done or how she would
have led the case but she knew that she didn't want him to die if there
was a way to save his life no matter his actions. Whereas Dr. Chase
decided to risk his job, reputation, and more to kill a man that he had no
problem treating at the beginning. I honestly believe the level of honesty
you generate should achieve actual integrity or what's the point of living.
Dr. Chase is another Lydian but I think not all Lydians start off bad.
If I was offered the Rings of Gyges I would want to study its history and
learn who else had the ability to use them and how did it affect today's
history? I would be more curious on the ring's history than about how I
could use them for my own gain.
I would be curious about the history it withholds.
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Richard Grego (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/72848/users/1367)
Jul 25, 2023
8/11/23, 6:03 PM Page 16 of 38
Reply
EXCELLENT reference to that episode --and its a connection I
haven't made my self since teaching this course! What do you think
should be done with the ring?
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Tatiana Johnson (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/72848/users/71694)
Jul 26, 2023
Reply
I think the Rings of Gyges should be put in a museum, a heavily
secured museum.
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Richard Grego (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/72848/users/1367)
Jul 30, 2023
Reply
...But we could use it to fight crime, right wrongs, save lives,
no? Aren't we obliged to?
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8/11/23, 6:03 PM Page 17 of 38
Richard Grego (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/72848/users/1367)
Jul 25, 2023
Reply
....Hey, am I the only one who's detected a similarity between this story
and Lord of the Rings? --Its been a while since those classic movies
have been out, but the book and movies are still classics....
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Ansley Read (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/72848/users/89590)
Jul 26, 2023
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Ms. Tatiana, Professor,
For one this is a really great post and I love how you used the
episode of The Tyrant, with the decision Dr. Chase made to discretely
allow the man he was originally helping aid, to die from his illness.
Which nearly risked Dr. Chase of his job by falsifying information as
to how the dictator passed away.
Professor- when I originally read the story the first thing I thought
was LORD OF THE RINGS!!! ( my precious)...
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8/11/23, 6:03 PM Page 18 of 38
Renee Burgess (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/72848/users/130153)
Jul 25, 2023
Reply
After reading about the Ring of Gyges I'm asked, Would you want that
ring? If you had it, what would you do with it? Well I would want the ring
for many reasons. Will they be all ethical reasons? Of course not.
I'd like to be able to move around and navigate without being seen.
Imagine the places I could go and what I could see just being invisible.
Nothing wild or crazy but more along the lines of concerts, movies, etc.
I'd be able to see what my kids are doing when I'm not around. It's like
I'd be a fly on the wall everywhere.
I didn't like how in the story the ring was used for evil doing. He took the
kings wife and his kingdom from him while also killing him. Such great
power shouldn't just be put in the wrong hands. There are so many other
things that he could have done. I mean he did start off on the right track
and became a messenger to the king and was able to escape detection.
Powers this great can go either way. It's going to be up to the integrity of
the person with this ring to choose to do good things and not do things
wrong.
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Sebastian Baez (He/Him) (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/72848/users/112820)
Jul 26, 2023
8/11/23, 6:03 PM Page 19 of 38
Reply
"Will they all be ethical reasons? Of course not." I feel that one heavy
lol. I'd probably also be a fly on the wall everywhere.
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Ansley Read (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/72848/users/89590)
Jul 26, 2023
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Good evening Ms. Renee,
Great post by the way and well said! I believe that power is in the
eyes of the beholder so to speak. I could see the fun in wanting to go
to many shows and movies if we are being honest here, I may have
been guilty in my younger years of movie hopping ...so I didn't need
the power of invisibility to do that, but like you said, power of this
degree depends and can go either way; depends on the person's
integrity and actions.
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Gianna Jackmore (She/Her) (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/72848/users/58603)
Jul 28, 2023
who besides yourself would you trust with the ring. the only persons
whos true untentions are known to you is you. its a funny dilemma
8/11/23, 6:03 PM Page 20 of 38
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Richard Grego (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/72848/users/1367)
Jul 30, 2023
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I agree with you about that last sentence...but would that make the
ring too dangerous to have floating around for potentially anyone to
use?
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Jadd Kalian (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/72848/users/108093)
Aug 2, 2023
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Hello Renee, I agree having this ring would be awesome. I personally
would be traveling everywhere and anywhere whenever I wanted. you
can't beat that, I don't know who wouldn't want this power. Keep in
mind as well, people in those ages had different objectives, so power
for Gyges was his and to become king, like ours is to just want to
travel lol.
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8/11/23, 6:03 PM Page 21 of 38
Sebastian Baez (He/Him) (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/72848/users/112820)
Jul 26, 2023
Reply
After reading the story of Gyges and his ring of invisibility, I've decided I
would absolutely want that ring. Who wouldn't want to be have the power
to be invisible?! Although Gyges himself used the ring for immoral acts, I
would use it to do some justice seeking! Since I plan to become a
journalist, I could eavesdrop and sneak around much easier without
worry of being stopped for being apart of the press. Typically, figures and
famous people don't let their true feelings around the press, but with that
ring, I could seek out the truth and not have to worry about them lying.
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Gianna Jackmore (She/Her) (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/72848/users/58603)
Jul 28, 2023
Reply
Lol youd be like batman? I like the logic but wouldnt it be wrong to
spy on people in their vulnerable moments? Even if you dont intend
to eventually you would catch someone doing something personal or
private and i think thats kinda messed up.
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Richard Grego
8/11/23, 6:03 PM Page 22 of 38
(https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/72848/users/1367)
Aug 2, 2023
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--yeah....but as long as you did the eaves-dropping within
respectable limits....
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Chloe Moser (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/72848/users/129991)
Saturday
Reply
I agree with Gianna, how could you eavesdrop in a
respectable manner knowing you are doing it solely because a
person did not want you to hear/see what they were saying or
doing? Isn't that the whole point of eavesdropping and
exposing people? (which is not a morally sound decision in
my opinion)
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Gianna Jackmore (She/Her) (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/72848/users/58603)
Saturday
8/11/23, 6:03 PM Page 23 of 38
Reply
that’s exactly what i’m worried about lol, people have a
right to privacy and to confide sensitive opinions ,
thoughts and emotions to people they trust without anyone
else knowing.
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Ansley Read (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/72848/users/89590)
Jul 26, 2023
8/11/23, 6:03 PM Page 24 of 38
Reply
The Ring of Gyges is a story about a Sheperd who came across a ring
when the ground opened from an earthquake presenting Gyges ( the
Sheperd), with a bronze horse in the earth with doors that opened- and
there was the ring on the finger of a skeleton. Gyges discovered the
power of the ring one night at the gathering for the shepherds of the
king, he would twist the ring on his finger and he would disappear. Gyges
accomplished wooing the Queen and winning her over with the power he
possesses and the ability to conspire with the Queen to kill the king.
The question was asked if I would want the ring and if I had the ring
what would I do with it? To answer the question, I do not want the ring or
the power of anonymity. We in the modern day, have access to being
anonymous online, and in retrospect, we are able to get away with a lot of
things without the help of a ring or creating fake accounts, emails, logins,
etc, The bottom line is, we as a society have the choice every day to do
what is right and wrong, just or unjust; what we do in life is based on
actions that become consequences of those actions, we are human and
we are bound to make a mistake here or there even without the power of
anonymity.
I truly hope that my post makes sense, another example, I could use
would be receiving calls from a private number and receiving threats or
even in plain sight to explain my other point, the public can get away with
a lot of things based on words, on he says she says as well. I could
continue down my rabbit hole of thoughts, but then I would fail to meet
the words and vocabulary to explain everything going on in this
membrane I have here. Thank you for reading!
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8/11/23, 6:03 PM Page 25 of 38
Gianna Jackmore (She/Her) (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/72848/users/58603)
Jul 28, 2023
Reply
I fully understand your point lol, i agree that its so easy to be
anonymous online why would you need a ring anyway.
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Richard Grego (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/72848/users/1367)
Jul 30, 2023
Reply
Great extrapolation from the story of the ring to the ethics of
everyday life...this is exactly how Plato intended people to interpret
the story!
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Gianna Jackmore (She/Her) (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/72848/users/58603)
Jul 28, 2023
In the ring of Gyges a shepherd is out with his flock when a tectonic shift
reveals to him a great treasure. as the ground splits open illuminating a
long hidden secret the shepherd enters to investigate. The shepherd
8/11/23, 6:03 PM Page 26 of 38
long hidden secret the shepherd enters to investigate. The shepherd
finds a simple ring on the finger of a man long deceased. Plucking it
from its host he puts it on. Later on he attends a meeting and while at
this meeting, in an act of boredom no doubt, fidgets with the ring on his
finger. He spins the ring and seemingly vanishes from sight. The other
shepherd's in attendance speak of him as if he was not there but he was
standing right there in the same room as them. The man realized the ring
could make him invisible.
After some time is begins a romantic relationship with the queen. Lustful
of power they devise a plan to kill the king so the lowly shepherd could
rule at the queens side. Should the outcome be different if the ring was
placed on someone who was just or someone who was not just? This is
the question the reader is affronted with at the end of the story.
Personally, I don't believe there is a single person on this planet who
would not eventually use the ring for their own personal gain. That person
would have to be perfect and no such person exists. I understand the
appeal of the ring, but I know myself and I would eventually use the ring
to fulfil a selfish desire. The ethic dilemma here is whether or not you
believe being selfish is wrong or not. Most see it as a negative trait, the
kid who doesn't play nice in the sand box type of issue. However I think
there are degrees of selfishness and everyone has to be slightly selfish at
times or you will never receive what you want. People like to put different
labels on it but being determined is just a type of selfishness. You want
success for yourself and you're not concerned with sharing it until you
have it. The ring would help me accomplish my goals without a doubt but
I would not have earned my achievements if I used the ring to cheat on a
test or alter a test result without being seen. Im selfish enough to not
want my accomplishments to be contributed to anything besides myself.
Ultimately, no I would not want the ring. it could never help me be
satisfied with myself.
8/11/23, 6:03 PM Page 27 of 38
Reply
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Richard Grego (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/72848/users/1367)
Jul 30, 2023
Reply
--But on the other hand , how much are most of our abilities , talents
and achievements earned? I would have loved to be a violin virtuoso
or child-math prodigy, but never had the IQ....others were just born
with it....was their ability somehow unfair?
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Jadd Kalian (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/72848/users/108093)
Aug 2, 2023
Reply
Hello Gianna, Yea I agree I don't know who wouldn't want this ring lol.
I'd love to have this power but keeping myself in check would be
crucial. You had me cracking up at "the kid in the Sand box". The ring
would definitely add more value to my life and the success I want to
create, so I'm with you on that.
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Heather Tazumi
8/11/23, 6:03 PM Page 28 of 38
(https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/72848/users/126985)
Aug 3, 2023
Reply
Hi Gianna,
I agree that everyone would eventually use the ring if they could. I
feel like people would use it at first to satisfy their curiosity or to
prove it actually works. Afterwards, I think people would use it for
whatever reason.
Your small discussion about selfishness was interesting. Throughout
life we figure out that not everything is black and white. So it takes
time to figure out selfishness has different levels. Unfortunately, it
does take some selfishness to either get what you want or to
accomplish your goals. I admit that I am where I am today because I
was selfish at some points throughout my life. However, I do share
some of what I have obtained and accomplished.
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Jadd Kalian (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/72848/users/108093)
Aug 2, 2023
8/11/23, 6:03 PM Page 29 of 38
Reply
Invincibility. If you had the opportunity to go invisible at any time, would
you do it? In Plato's Republic, there's a story about a ring called The Ring
of Gyges. This ring grants invincibility to anyone who wears it. With this
power do you think you'll let it get to your head or will you stay humble?
Gyges, the owner of this powerful ring let the power get to him causing
him to kill the king, seduce the queen, and took over the kingdom. The
question is, would you want to have this power?
Personally, I would. Having this ring would give me the freedom to do
what I want when I want. This could come off really bad, but I know what
my intentions are, and they are all positive. Obtaining this ring wouldn't
change me and who I am and what I stand for. Who wouldn't want to take
a free flight to Hawaii with free stay for a month, because you can? I
would set rules for myself that I'd have to adhere to, and I'll also keep
myself in check so I don't let the power get to my head. I would really
just use it to travel the world whenever I want, and honestly, the worst
thing I'd do is probably make Patrick Mahomes trip so the Eagles win the
Superbowl and make my parlay hit.
Yes, If I had the opportunity to go invisible whenever I wanted I would
100% do it with no hesitation. As long as I keep tabs on my morals, and
abide by specific rules, I think that would be the most successful way of
using this ring. Reading the story of Gyges is important with having the
ring, so are able to control your behavior and not step on toes, to say the
least. I know myself and I'd have no ill intentions with this power, besides
winning the Superbowl.
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Richard Grego (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/72848/users/1367)
8/11/23, 6:03 PM Page 30 of 38
Aug 3, 2023
Reply
That sounds fine to me, but I suppose the cautionary question is:
what happens if you loose it or die, etc., --isn't the danger of it falling
into the wrong hands a very important consideration?
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Heather Tazumi (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/72848/users/126985)
Aug 3, 2023
8/11/23, 6:03 PM Page 31 of 38
Reply
Hi Jadd,
A lot of movies portray individuals obtaining power, and then letting
that power go to their heads. If you were to have this power, how
would you prevent yourself from letting it get to your head? I
understand you'd remind yourself of who you are and what your
morals are, but would you be able to catch yourself veering away from
those morals as soon as you do? I can also understand following the
rules. Some people rationalize performing actions they normally
wouldn't do after obtaining power or money. There's also the
possibility of bending the rules. If a person isn't able to keep
themselves completely in check they could turn into a completely
different person.
My boyfriend, family, and I were not thrilled about the Chiefs winning
the Super bowl. From what I heard, there were some calls that
shouldn't have been made. (I didn't watch the Super Bowl because I
am a bad luck charm. Usually whenever I watch the Eagles, Phillies,
Flyers, or Sixers play, they lose.)
(https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/72848/users/126985)
Heather Tazumi (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/72848/users/126985)
Aug 3, 2023
8/11/23, 6:03 PM Page 32 of 38
Reply
The Ring of Gyges was about an individual finding a ring that could make
someone invisible when wearing the ring. With this power the individual
became a messenger for the king, then committed adultery with the
queen and murdered the king. When I read the retelling of The Ring of
Gyges, I wondered if Sauron’s ring from Lord of the Rings was inspired
by this story.
I don’t want a ring with that kind of power. I never thought the power of
invisibility was interesting nor have I ever desired such a power. In a way,
I sometimes feel invisible. When I’m in social settings or out on my own,
no one really acknowledges me. People just leave me be, which I’m okay
with. Sometimes I sneak up on people unintentionally because of how
quiet I am. Also, I’m short, so it’s not hard to hide if I need to.
Until now, I never thought of what I would do if I had the power of
invisibility. When I first thought of what I would do, I thought of different
scenarios based on different characters. My first scenario was doing
something childish like Billy Baton from Shazam. (When Billy first got his
powers, he destroyed textbooks, performed shows, and bought alcohol
illegally.) Another character I thought of was Light Yagami from Death
Note. When he first obtained a death note he doubted the death note’s
power. To find out if the death note was legitimate, he performed some
experiments with it. I could see myself doubting the ring’s power if I ever
got one. If I was curious or brave enough to test the ring’s powers, I
thought about sneaking into a theme park. After thinking about it more, I
realized I would probably never use the ring if given the chance. Knowing
me, I’d become overly anxious about being found out.
8/11/23, 6:03 PM Page 33 of 38
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Mary Harris (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/72848/users/111354)
Saturday
Reply
In Plato's Republic, the story of the ring of Gyges is a fascinating tale
that raises several questions of morality and ethical behavior. Of course,
the story follows a shepherd named Gyges who discovers a ring that
grants him the power of invisibility. With this newfound power, Gyges is
able to commit any crime without fear of being caught.
The question then becomes, would I want that ring? While the power of
invisibility may seem appealing, the consequences of using it for
personal gain are severe. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to
consider the ethical implications of their actions and whether the pursuit
of power is truly worth the cost.
I wouldn't want the ring because I know it is ethically wrong and it goes
against my beliefs. I lived long enough to know it is important to
recognize that actions have consequences, and individuals must be
willing to accept those consequences if they choose to pursue power in
an unethical manner. I have to be mature and responsible enough to
stand on the decisions and to always prioritize fairness, justice, and the
greater good.
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Chloe Moser (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/72848/users/129991)
Saturday
8/11/23, 6:03 PM Page 34 of 38
Reply
I definitely think having the ring would put a lot of pressure on a
person, because there is a lot of debate on what is and is not ethical
- especially when you wouldn't ever get caught. Knowing you have the
power to do equally great or terrible things with no consequence
seems like a lot of responsibility that I personally wouldn't know what
to do with.
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Quinteria Robinson (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/72848/users/110365)
1:58pm
Reply
Hello Mary,
I agree I wouldn’t want the ring. It seem to go against a lot of people
personal beliefs. Not sure if it’s a good thing or bad seeing as though
it could potentially be used for good. Like catching criminals, which
would be very handy. But I do think in the wrong hands it could be very
dangerous/ unethical.
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Chloe Moser (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/72848/users/129991)
Saturday
8/11/23, 6:03 PM Page 35 of 38
I am occasionally a person that enjoys keeping material things around.
So, I do think I would want to keep a magical ring that has the ability to
turn me invisible, though I'm not sure I would really be using it for
anything selfless or important. I would like to think that I would use it for
good, but it would probably end up collecting dust in my jewelry drawer
after I tested it out a few times just to see how it felt to be invisible. Or
maybe hiding in my pocket when I'm in public to avoid my anxieties
about being around large groups of people. I also probably wouldn't want
to tell many people about it, in case they had bad intentions with it (like
eavesdropping, stealing, murder, etc.) - but this begs the question: would
it be wrong to keep the ring from someone who could do positive things
with the ring out of fear that it might not be something that I would
want? Who am I to judge the true nature or justice of an action that
benefits someone else?
I feel as though I would be quite stressed about the idea of someone
else having the ring, because I would not want them to have control over
a magical tool that would allow them to do essentially anything without
consequence. However, my personal idea of what is right and/or good is
totally different than that of someone else's, so why would it be right for
me to have all the deciding power over what anyone does with the
special ability of being invisible? In the very nature of greed, selfishness,
and fear, I would want to keep the ring. Though, that in and of itself is not
morally correct because my intention would not be in the right place
because nothing bad would have happened yet. It would be good for me,
but not anyone else who wishes that they had the ring to do with what
they please. So I think I would want to keep the ring for my own mental
well being and selfish reasons, but I don't think it would be the right
thing to do, and I don't think it would be used correctly in my possession.
Is it better to do nothing with a magical ring, use it for personal gain, or
to do good with it and advertise it to the world? I really couldn't say.
8/11/23, 6:03 PM Page 36 of 38
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Quinteria Robinson (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/72848/users/110365)
1:55pm
Reply
Hey Chloe,
I would say I probably would be stressed too if I knew about the ring
being in someone else’s possession. The world is stressful enough
without magical objects. So someone having it would definitely be
worrisome. But if I had the ring I don’t think I’d be able to have
enough restraint to let it collect dust. Not saying I would go use it in
the world but probably in my room/ house just for fun.
(https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/72848/users/110365)
Quinteria Robinson (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/72848/users/110365)
1:51pm
8/11/23, 6:03 PM Page 37 of 38
Reply
The tale of Gyges' ring is explored in Plato's Republic as it relates to the moral ramifications of owning a potent object that confers invisibility. Gyges initially states his hesitation to own the ring since he understands that doing so would allow him to commit unethical acts without being held accountable. This emphasizes the idea that people may decide to refrain from unethical activity when they are aware of the possibility of wrongdoing.
Due to the increased incentive to commit unethical acts if humans were in possession of the ring of Gyges, I would not want to own it. People would feel free to act on their urges because of the ring's ability to make them invisible, giving them a sense of impunity. This idea emphasizes how corrupting power can be and how easy it is for people to give in to their darker instincts when given the chance.
In addition, the tale of the Gyges ring presents issues with privacy invasion. Due to the ring's capacity to make its bearer invisible, it is possible to violate others' privacy and observe them without their knowledge or consent. Plato's parable serves as a reminder that violating someone's privacy is morally wrong, highlighting how important it is to respect their rights and individuality.
8/11/23, 6:03 PM Page 38 of 38
