lecture 2 Plato

Question 1

What is The Republic about, and what main question does it explore?

Answer 1

The Republic explores the nature of justice, both in individuals and the ideal state, aiming to define true justice and the just society.

Question 2

How does Cephalus define justice, and why does Socrates critique it?

Answer 2

Justice is giving each person what they are due. Socrates argues this is too simplistic, as it doesn’t address what ‘due’ actually entails.

Question 3

What is Polemarchus’s definition of justice, and what is Socrates’ criticism?

Answer 3

Justice means doing good to friends and harm to enemies. Socrates critiques this by arguing that harming others makes them worse and less just.

Question 4

What are Thrasymachus’s views on justice, and how does Socrates counter them?

Answer 4

Thrasymachus argues justice benefits the strong or is simply ‘crime pays.’ Socrates counters that injustice leads to internal discord and unhappiness.

Question 5

What is Glaucon’s view on justice as a social contract, and how does Socrates respond?

Answer 5

Glaucon views justice as a social contract for mutual benefit. Socrates argues that true justice must be based on a natural harmony, not just human agreements.

Question 6

What is the theory of the Forms, and why is it central to Plato’s philosophy?

Answer 6

The Forms are eternal, unchanging truths that represent the essence of things, providing a standard for knowledge beyond sensory experience.

Question 7

What is the Form of the Good, and why is it the ultimate goal of knowledge for Plato?

Answer 7

The Form of the Good is the highest Form and the source of truth and order, guiding philosopher-kings in ruling justly.

Question 8

What does the Allegory of the Cave represent, and what lesson does it teach?

Answer 8

The Cave allegory represents the journey from ignorance to knowledge, illustrating the philosopher’s duty to seek truth beyond illusions.

Question 9

How does Plato’s city-soul analogy explain the concept of justice?

Answer 9

Plato uses the city-soul analogy to show justice as harmony; each part of the soul and each class in the city must perform its own role without interference.

Question 10

What are the three parts of the soul according to Plato, and their corresponding classes in the city?

Answer 10

The soul consists of reason, spirit, and appetite, which correspond to the ruling class, auxiliaries, and producers in the city.

Question 11

What are the four virtues necessary in a just city and a just soul?

Answer 11

Wisdom, courage, temperance, and justice are the four virtues. Wisdom guides the rulers, courage upholds convictions, temperance harmonizes, and justice balances each part.

Question 12

How does Plato define justice in both the city and the soul?

Answer 12

Justice is the harmonious function of each part of the soul and each class in the city, where everyone performs their role without meddling in others’ duties.

Question 13

Why does Plato argue that only philosopher-kings should rule the city?

Answer 13

Philosopher-kings should rule because they have knowledge of the Forms and understand true justice, guiding the city for the common good.

Question 14

What are the qualities of philosopher-kings, and how are they chosen in Kallipolis?

Answer 14

They are wise, lack personal wealth, and focus on communal welfare, chosen for their ability to transcend personal desires and seek truth.

Question 15

What does Plato mean by true freedom in Kallipolis, and how does it differ from negative freedom?

Answer 15

True freedom is control over one’s desires, aspiring to be virtuous; it contrasts with the ‘negative freedom’ to act without restrictions.

Question 16

Why does Plato support censorship, and what is its role in the ideal city?

Answer 16

Censorship prevents immoral influences, preserving unity and ensuring citizens aspire to virtue and truth.

Question 17

What is the ‘noble lie,’ and how does it function in Kallipolis?

Answer 17

The noble lie is a myth about citizens’ origins, promoting unity and social order by assigning people roles that match their nature.

Question 18

What are the types of unjust cities in Plato’s theory, and how do they degrade over time?

Answer 18

Unjust cities include timocracy, oligarchy, democracy, and tyranny, each further removed from justice as desires increasingly govern them.

Question 19

What is the root cause of instability and decline in cities, according to Plato?

Answer 19

Instability arises when desires overpower rational governance, leading to class conflict and moral decay.

Question 20

How might Plato view the use of a noble lie to promote climate action by the government?

Answer 20

Plato would likely approve if it fosters the common good and social harmony, aligning with his concept of the noble lie for unity.

Question 21

What role do the Forms play in Plato’s view of knowledge and reality?

Answer 21

Forms are the true reality, unchanging and perfect; knowledge of the Forms leads to truth, while sensory perceptions are unreliable.

Question 22

How does Socrates’ idea of justice differ fundamentally from the earlier conceptions by Cephalus, Polemarchus, and Thrasymachus?

Answer 22

Socrates rejects the simplistic views, arguing that justice is a natural harmony benefiting both the individual and society, not just utility or power.

Question 23

Why is justice more than a social contract according to Socrates and Plato?

Answer 23

Justice has intrinsic value beyond agreements; it aligns with the soul’s and city’s natural order, creating harmony and true happiness.