Plato's Republic

Section 1

Thrasymicus – the unjust man uses unjust methods to become better off in life than the just man and have more things so that he is happier (social Darwinism?)

Juvernal: “What I want, I take. Let my might take the place of reasoned argument.”

Plato – the just man is more happy because his sole is more fulfilled

The path of justice: virtue – prudent – good – knowledge – therefore happy

The path of injustice: vice – thoughtless – bad – lack of knowledge – therefore wretched

Section 2

Guardians of a city:

-Philosophical

-Swift

-Spirited

-Strong

Create these guardians through the education of music and gym

What should we read to children?

- stories of the gods partaking in sex and violence is bad and corruptive
- Platonic Forms/ perfect role models are good for children, give them someone positive to look up to
- 382 c: humans cannot be perfect or divine but should try to get as close as possible

Section 3

Separate the strong from the weak and the knowledgeable from the thoughtless through the education system:

Good at academics – become guardians – gold – calculating – superego – judges

Good at gym – become auxiliaries – silver – irrational – id – act off of needs

All the rest – become craftsmen/ farmers – bronze/ iron – spirited – ego – lives in moderation
Marxism: From each according to his own ability, to each according to his own need.

Guardians used wisdom
Philosopher Kings = smallest percent of population

When all three are working together in harmony the city is just

- Guardians, Auxiliaries, and Craftsmen/ Farmers

- Superego, Id, Ego

- Wisdom, Courage, Moderation

Book 4 - 434 C

Lacking these three creates evil

Book 4 - 515 C

Plato’s Cave

The shadows are their reality and their only perception