The original ring of power - Alex Gendler

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More than 2,000 years ago, the Greek philosopher Plato recounted the legend of the Ring of Gyges in “Republic.” The story of the ring surfaces as the philosopher, Socrates, and his student discuss why people act justly: is it because it’s what’s right? Or because it’s a convention that’s enforced through punishment and reward? Alex Gendler shares the allegory of the ill-gotten, magical ring.


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TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Alex Gendler
  • Director Vitalii Nebelskyi, and action creative agency
  • Narrator Addison Anderson
  • Storyboard Artist Olya Barabakh
  • Animator Teymuraz Bzikadze, Olya Barabakh
  • Art Director Vitalii Nebelskyi
  • Composer Salil Bhayani, cAMP Studio
  • Sound Designer Amanda P.H. Bennett, cAMP Studio
  • Director of Production Gerta Xhelo
  • Producer Anna Bechtol
  • Associate Producer Abdallah Ewis
  • Editorial Producer Alex Rosenthal, Cella Wright
  • Additional Collaborator Michael Vazquez
Additional Resources for you to Explore
Read an in-depth analysis of Plato’s argument, see how it relates to other parts of Plato’s philosophy like the Theory of Forms, and check out some challenges and rebuttals from contemporary philosophers. The best way to understand the story of the Ring of Gyges, however, is to dive right into Plato’s Republic, where the parable originally appears.

Customize this lesson

Create and share a new lesson based on this one.

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Alex Gendler
  • Director Vitalii Nebelskyi, and action creative agency
  • Narrator Addison Anderson
  • Storyboard Artist Olya Barabakh
  • Animator Teymuraz Bzikadze, Olya Barabakh
  • Art Director Vitalii Nebelskyi
  • Composer Salil Bhayani, cAMP Studio
  • Sound Designer Amanda P.H. Bennett, cAMP Studio
  • Director of Production Gerta Xhelo
  • Producer Anna Bechtol
  • Associate Producer Abdallah Ewis
  • Editorial Producer Alex Rosenthal, Cella Wright
  • Additional Collaborator Michael Vazquez

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