DUE TUESDAY OCTOBER 20
Well, I've now come to what we likened to the greatest wave. But I shall say what I have to say, even if the wave is a wave of laughter that will simply drown me in ridicule and contempt. So listen to what I'm going to say.What is the nature of "philosophy" and "the philosopher" according to Socrates in Plato's Republic? (Keep in mind here both what Socrates says about philosophy and the philosopher and what he does in the dialogue that relates to these topics.) How does Plato use that understanding of philosophy and the philosopher in order to attempt to solve one of the central problems he is dealing with in the Republic?
Say on.
Until philosophers rule as kings or those who are now called kings and leading men genuinely and adequately philosophize, that is, until political power and philosophy entirely coincide, while the many natures who at present pursue either one exclusively are forcibly prevented from doing so, cities will have no rest from evils, Glaucon, nor, I think, will the human race. And, until this happens, the constitution we've been describing in theory will never be born to the fullest extent possible or see the light of the sun. It's because I saw how very paradoxical this statement would be that I hesitated to make it for so long, for it's hard to face up to the fact that there can be no happiness, either public or private, in any other city.Republic 473c-e
Do you think Plato's attempted solutions are successful? Why or why not?
At least 4 pages. Due in class on Tuesday, October 20