Plato Flashcards
What are the four categories in Plato’s framework for understanding justice?
- Intrinsically good – Good in itself (e.g., knowledge).
- Intrinsically bad – Bad in itself (e.g., ignorance).
- Finally good – Leads to positive outcomes (e.g., health).
- Finally bad – Leads to negative outcomes (e.g., drunkenness and hangovers).
What is the “big question” about justice in Plato’s political philosophy?
“Is justice always good?” Can it ever lead to something bad?
- “Is injustice invariably bad?” Can it ever lead to something good?
What heuristic question arises from Glaucon’s framework on justice?
Where do you place justice in the framework (intrinsically good, intrinsically bad, finally good, finally bad)?
What are the three parts of Glaucon’s challenge to Socrates?
- The origins of justice: Justice arises from mutual agreement to avoid harm.
- Compliance with justice: People only follow justice unwillingly, under enforcement.
- Justice vs. injustice: The unjust life is better than the just life.
What is Glaucon’s argument about justice and human nature?
- Human nature seeks self-interest.
- Justice is a convention imposed by the weak majority to curb the strong.
- Laws enforce what is deemed “just,” which is contrary to natural desires.
Who are the protagonists in Plato’s “Ship of State” analogy, and what do they represent?
- Shipowner – Represents the populace, ignorant but possessing authority.
- Sailors – Competing politicians or demagogues; lack true knowledge.
- Captain – Often a demagogue; lacks the wisdom to lead.
- True captain (philosopher-king) – The ideal ruler; possesses knowledge and virtue.
What is the utility of philosophers in governance, according to Plato?
Philosophers, though seemingly “useless,” have the wisdom and knowledge necessary for just and effective governance.
How does the ship analogy conceptualize the state?
The shipowner** (the people) lacks understanding and is easily misled.
- The sailors (politicians) vie for control through manipulation, not competence.
- Only a true captain (philosopher-king) is fit to lead, as they understand navigation (justice and virtue).
What are three arguments supporting the utility of the ship analogy?
- Highlights the dangers of unqualified leadership.
- Emphasizes the necessity of expertise in governance.
- Demonstrates the philosopher’s role in providing stability and justice.
What are three criticisms of the ship analogy?
- Overly dismissive of democratic participation.
- Assumes a static view of leadership competence.
- Risks promoting elitism by idealizing philosopher-kings.
What is the “tri-partite soul” and its relation to the state?
Rational (wisdom), Spirited (courage), and Appetitive (desires).
- These correspond to the classes in the kallipolis (ideal state):
- Rulers – Rational.
- Guardians – Spirited.
- Producers – Appetitive.
What is Plato’s criticism of democracy?
- Democracy prioritizes individual desires over collective good.
- It risks rule by the uninformed majority and leads to chaos.
How does Plato distinguish between instrumental and final value?
Instrumental value: Valued as a means to an end (e.g., wealth).
Final value: Valued for its own sake (e.g., happiness).
How can the “Ship of State” analogy address modern problems?
- Identifies the importance of informed leadership.
- Warns against populism and demagoguery.
- Suggests the need for philosophical principles in policymaking.
What contemporary challenges cannot fit into Plato’s analogy?
- Complexities of global interdependence.
- Democratic accountability and public engagement.
- Ethical pluralism in modern societies.
