Plato’s Republic, Books V-VI
Here are some more questions for you to think about (again, these are all just meant as jumping-off points for a wide-ranging discussion).
How seriously should we take the three waves of innovation that Socrates expects will invite serious ridicule? The first one is probably acceptable to most of us. What about the abolition of the family?
What about the philosopher-king? Is it a serious proposal? Does Socrates (a man famous for his irony) actually mean it? What is the proposal meant to teach us? Do you think rule by a philosopher-king would be desirable? Do you think such a thing would even be possible?
ANSWER
Plato’s Republic, Books V-VI
Plato’s Republic, Books V-VI
Summary
Book V begins when Socrates’ attention is attracted by the reappearance of Polermarchus, who is whispering something in Adeimantu’s ear. Polermarchus accuses the philosophy of being lazy for not answering some of the concerns raised. You don’t respond to the queries raised; Socrates begins with a discussion on women. Socrates argues for the fundamental equality between both males and females. Socrates’ father delves into the topic of the rewards of being just. He explains about the words of just behavior while illustrating through the stories of how the brave men enjoy nobly in war as opposed to the coward men. Book VI has mostly presented a dialogue between the guardians and the rulers. Some of the essential qualities presented in this book include temperance, gentility, valor, and truthfulness.
Analysis
Plato’s ideas on matrimony and women are frighteningly futuristic and too model for his community. Socrates uses different analogies to advance the positions of the systems. Socrates suggests that redistribution of property and wealth would be one way to succeed as a community.
Socrates is the parable of two pilots while explaining the situation between the leadership and the field of March within the community. Socrates narrates an analogy where sailors do not obey a real pilot’s hand signals but believe that the warrior with the most charisma and strength should also have the desire to lead and overthrew the true pilot. That explains that only the shadow or a reflection of the truth is visible. Plato divides the realms into two unequal halves: visible and intelligible.
Plato also discusses the four faculties of the soul and explains how the two unequal halves of the realm correspond numerically to the four virtues.
