Final answer:
Socrates suggests that complete justice and happiness are achievable by balancing the parts of the soul to function harmoniously, similar to a just city. The ratios are not about wealth or moral development, but the harmony within the soul's parts. Eudaimonia, or human flourishing, is closely related to this harmony and is considered the highest good.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Socrates, complete justice and happiness can be achieved by any human being. Socrates, through the writings of Plato, likens the harmony required for a just society to the harmony needed in the soul for an individual to be just and happy. A just individual, in Socrates' view, is one who has organized and harmonized the parts of their soul. This mirrors the just city, where each part of society functions according to its nature and purpose. Hence, complete justice is attainable and leads to happiness because the soul is in harmony, functioning as it ought to, with wisdom, courage, and moderation governing it.
The ratios mentioned refer to the balance and harmony within the soul rather than distribution of wealth or stages of moral development. Each part of the soul has its rightful place, and it is the balance of these parts that constitutes justice in an individual. The rational part of the soul should govern with wisdom, the spirited part should uphold courage, and the appetitive part should express our desires but be kept in check by moderation. This inner balance and justice, according to Socrates, translate to the possibility of achieving happiness.
There is also the concept that Plato mentions, which is similar to justice, known as eudaimonia, which Aristotle also discusses. It refers to human flourishing or fulfilling the potential that is inherent within one's nature, which is the highest good and the aim of human life. Cultivating virtues is the method by which one achieves eudaimonia or happiness.