The Republic - Useful illuminations Flashcards
How must his society ‘begin’?
‘We must begin by controlling the fable-makers’
What does Socrates argue how the Gods should be portrayed?
‘not the cause of everything, but only what is good’
What does Socrates argue?
It is impossible for god to ‘vary himself’ (e.g. taking other forms)
Which myths is it especially important to control?
The Hades/underworld myths - do not want to encourage fear of death
What institution does Socrates dissolve?
The family and knowledge of parentage
What does Socrates despise about poetry?
Only imitation, and the imitator knows nothing about what he imitates; does not have ‘wisdom’ over whether it is good or bad
Destroys the ‘rational part’ of people’s minds
‘If you…’
‘If you accept the “sweetened Muse” in lyric or epic, pleasure and pain will be enthroned in your city instead of law’ (though acknowledges its charms)
