Why be moral?

    Plato tells the story of Gyges (the republic, Book II), a shepherd, who finds a magic ring. When Gyges turns the ring 180 degrees, he becomes invisible, and upon turning the ring again, he reappears. Under the cloak of invisibility he performs a series of unethical and immoral acts, including murder. He is a villain and a rogue, yet becomes wealthy and famous. Gyges not only accrues benefits be appearing to be moral but also enjoys the bounty reaped from wrongdoing with no punishing consequences – he will never be caught! Now, imagine a second magic ring given to a just and upright individual. Will the temptation to engage in wrongdoing for personal gain be too great? Knowing there will be no punishing consequences, would a good person quickly turn into a scoundrel? Given the situation just described, why would anyone be moral? Discuss. What would you do if you were given a Gyges ring? Why be moral