PLATO Flashcards
What does the word “Republic” (Politeia) mean in Plato’s The Republic?
The word “Republic” comes from politeia, meaning the structure of the city-state and its governance.
Who was Plato’s teacher and who was his student?
Plato was a student of Socrates, and Aristotle was Plato’s student.
How does The Republic begin in Book 1?
It begins with a conversation between Polemarchus and Socrates about justice. Socrates discusses aging and the afterlife with Cephalus.
What is Cephalus’ definition of justice?
“Be truthful and give what is owed.” Socrates challenges this by pointing out that sometimes this can be harmful.
What is Polemarchus’ definition of justice?
Doing good to your friends and harm to your enemies. Socrates argues people can mistake who their true friends and enemies are.
What is Thrasymachus’ view on justice?
Justice serves the interest of the rulers, and injustice, when perfected, is more profitable than justice. Socrates counters by stating that injustice leads to disorder and conflict.
What is the story of the Rings of Gyges as told by Glaucon?
The Ring of Gyges grants invisibility, allowing one to commit unjust acts without consequences. Glaucon argues that if anyone had this power, they would act unjustly.
What is Socrates’ definition of justice in Book 2?
Justice is the proper structuring of both the individual soul and the city, where each part performs its function without interfering with other parts.
What are the three classes in Plato’s ideal city (Kallipolis)?
- Rulers (Guardians): Govern the city with wisdom.
- Auxiliaries (Soldiers): Protect the city with courage.
- Producers (Farmers, Artisans, Merchants): Provide for material needs.
What is the concept of the Noble Lie in The Republic?
The Noble Lie is a myth used to maintain social harmony, suggesting that each person has a specific “metal” in their soul—Gold for rulers, Silver for auxiliaries, and Bronze/Iron for producers.
How does Plato compare justice in the city to justice in the soul?
Back: Just as the city is divided into three classes, the soul has three parts:
- Reason (rulers)
- Spirit (auxiliaries)
- Appetite (producers)
- Justice occurs when each part performs its function in harmony, both in the city and the soul.
What does Glaucon criticize about the ideal city (Kallipolis)?
He refers to Socrates’ simple city as a “city of pigs” because it lacks culture, luxury, art, or music. Socrates then describes a more complex city.
What does the Myth of the Metals represent in Plato’s The Republic?
It represents the predetermined roles of people in society based on their natural abilities—Gold for wisdom (rulers), Silver for courage (auxiliaries), and Bronze/Iron for desires (producers).
How does Plato’s ideal city maintain justice and harmony?
Justice in the city is maintained when each class performs its specific role without interfering in the others’ functions, and justice in the soul is achieved when reason rules over spirit and appetite.
