Central Subjects,
Books I-V, Republic
Book I
- Plato sets the dramatic scene, introduces interlocutors and central topic, “What is Justice?” (See blue handout, “Introductory Notes on the Background of Republic”).
- Thrasymachus, playing the part of the sophist, opens and attacks with, “the just is nothing else than the advantage of the stronger.” (338c)
- By the end of Book I, Socrates has tamed (or at least quieted) Thrasymachus. What do you think are the key points in the convoluted and twisted exchange between these two?
Book II
- Final, most forceful restatement of Thrasymachus’ position by Glaucon and Adeimantus, challenge to Socrates.
- Comparison of the perfectly just man and the perfectly unjust man through their behavior while in possession of the Ring of Gyges.
- Socrates begins his elaboration of what justice in a man is, but begins with justice in a state (where justice would be writ large, more easily perceived).
- Socrates’ discussion of what is necessary to found a
state, and what would make it a just state; Glaucon’s
insistence on extra luxuries (compare to
- Moral education/censorship/indoctrination of the future Guardians.
Book III
- More on education of Guardians (kind of music, literature, athletic training).
- Guardians split into two groups: Rulers (Philosopher Kings) and Auxiliaries (Soldiers); with addition of the craftsmen (everyone else), now have three classes, or the tripartite division of the state.
- Myth of Metals, or “Noble Lie”: A deliberate lie perpetrated to keep the citizens in order; Gold = Philosopher Kings; Silver = Soldiers; Base Metals = Everyone else.
- Delineation and discussion of distinctive functions of each of the three classes.
Book IV
- Discussion of four “cardinal” virtues in a state and in a person:
wisdom, bravery, sobriety/temperance/moderation and justice. Note that a just state or person has the other three virtues; one is unjust in virtue of some failure of the other virtues.
- We finally arrive at the notion of what justice is in a state, and by analogy to the individual, we see what justice is in the individual.
- Glaucon and Adeimantus not yet fully answered: assuming we know what it is to be just, why is it better always to be just?
Book V
- Sexual egalitarianism, communal rearing of children (crèche), state-controlled breeding (eugenics).
- Hypothetical state as ideal pattern (later, we know this is as a Form), not necessarily actual state, unless philosophers become rulers or rulers become like philosophers.
- What is a Philosopher, properly so-called? One who has Knowledge.
- Discussion of Knowledge vs. mere Belief- Initial discussion of doctrine of Forms (becomes clearer with Divided Line, next book).