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Questions and Answers
According to Socrates, what is the primary goal of law within a state?
According to Socrates, what is the primary goal of law within a state?
- To prioritize the needs and desires of the ruling class.
- To promote the overall harmony and well-being of the city, even if it requires individual sacrifices. (correct)
- To allow each citizen to pursue their own interests without interference.
- To ensure the happiness and well-being of all individual citizens.
Why does Socrates argue that compelling philosophers to rule isn't an injustice?
Why does Socrates argue that compelling philosophers to rule isn't an injustice?
- Philosophers are not capable of experiencing happiness outside of ruling.
- Philosophers are naturally inclined to seek power and authority.
- The state has a right to utilize the unique abilities of its citizens for the common good, even if it means sacrificing their personal preferences. (correct)
- Philosophers are immune to the corruption that comes with political power.
What is Glaucon's initial objection to the idea of compelling philosophers to rule?
What is Glaucon's initial objection to the idea of compelling philosophers to rule?
- He believes that philosophers lack the necessary skills to govern effectively.
- He worries that philosophers will become corrupt and tyrannical.
- He fears that philosophers will use their power to suppress dissent and criticism.
- He thinks it's unfair to force philosophers to abandon a better, more fulfilling life for an inferior one. (correct)
What assumption underlies Glaucon's objection that philosophers are being wronged by being compelled to rule?
What assumption underlies Glaucon's objection that philosophers are being wronged by being compelled to rule?
In the context of this passage, what does Socrates mean by 'the vision of the good'?
In the context of this passage, what does Socrates mean by 'the vision of the good'?
What does Socrates suggest the founders of the state should do once the philosophers have gained 'the vision of the good'?
What does Socrates suggest the founders of the state should do once the philosophers have gained 'the vision of the good'?
Socrates argues that a just state requires harmonizing and adapting its citizens. What methods does he suggest for achieving this?
Socrates argues that a just state requires harmonizing and adapting its citizens. What methods does he suggest for achieving this?
If a philosopher chooses to 'linger there' rather than return to the cave, what is Socrates implying they are prioritizing?
If a philosopher chooses to 'linger there' rather than return to the cave, what is Socrates implying they are prioritizing?
What does Socrates mean when he says the law is not concerned with the 'special happiness' of any class?
What does Socrates mean when he says the law is not concerned with the 'special happiness' of any class?
The text implies the best rulers are reluctant to rule. Why might this be the case?
The text implies the best rulers are reluctant to rule. Why might this be the case?
Flashcards
Founders' Duty
Founders' Duty
The duty of the founders is to compel those with the best natures to attain knowledge and reach the vision of the good, preventing them from lingering in that state and refusing to return to assist others.
Purpose of Law in the State
Purpose of Law in the State
The law is not concerned with the happiness of a single class, but aims to create harmony within the entire city by adapting and harmonizing citizens, ensuring they contribute to the community's benefit.
Justification for Compelling Philosophers
Justification for Compelling Philosophers
It is justifiable to compel philosophers to rule because they can guide and protect the other citizens.
Philosophers Reluctance to Rule
Philosophers Reluctance to Rule
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Socrates' View of Well-being
Socrates' View of Well-being
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Justice and Injustice
Justice and Injustice
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Study Notes
- The text is Plato's Republic Book VII, specifically sections 519C6-520B1, translated by Paul Shorey.
- Socrates tells Glaucon that the founders of the state have a duty to compel the best people to seek knowledge and "the vision of the good".
- These enlightened individuals must then be made to return to the world of ordinary people ("bondsmen") to share their knowledge.
- Socrates argues that the law aims for the overall well-being of the city, not the happiness of any single group.
- The law requires citizens to share their abilities for the benefit of the community.
- The state creates people, not to allow them to do what pleases them, but to use them to unify the commonwealth (city-state).
- Compelling philosophers to rule ensures they take care of the other citizens and act as their guardians.
- Philosophers might see a life of ruling as "inferior" to philosophical contemplation.
- Consider Socrates' definitions of a philosopher, ruling, well-being/happiness, compulsion, justice, and injustice.
- A summary of your arguments should introduce the assignment, following a clear structure.
- The assignment requires knowledge of Plato's ethics and political philosophy from Lecture 2.
- You must explain the problems with the idea that philosophers should rule and why they should be compelled.
- You should consider Socrates' and Glaucon's shared belief that the philosophical life is the best life.
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