A Glorious Ideal, A Devastating Reality
The aim of my paper is to determine whether or not Plato is correct in his thinking. To do this I will describe his views and ideals and determine whether or not they are a techne and why Plato believes that, the Forms provide a strong support for his view. Also, I will determine if his view of a utopia is realistically probable. That is to say, whether or not, it could be applied to society as a whole.
I believe that Plato has with clear and convincing argument shown that pursuing wisdom is the perfect way of life and that it has the makings of a true utopia. However, I do not believe that it is a realistic idea. This is in part due, sad as it may be, to the overall corruption of human nature. Although, Plato does seem to have a few good points as to how he will combat destructive human desires. It would never work because all generations change and the desires to be different are too overwhelming. Also, I feel that there are many things in The Republic that today seem immoral, unjust, and indecent. But when considering the time period and the overall influence this book has had, I start to see how these acts could benefit society as a whole.
The overall aim of The Republic is to construct a science of justice or righteousness. Any acceptable account of justice must meet four criteria. It must be exception less; there must be no exceptions that can be made for anyone under any circumstances. It must also be teachable. If you can not teach this concept to others as one would a subject, then it is an improper account. It must be, precise enough to give genuine guidance. If it is not able to give clear and concise guidance then it is not justice. Lastly, it has to have good reasons. If it does not have good reasons then the people will reject this way of life. It must also show the public that there is an overall good reason to be just otherwise, what’s the point of justice?
The Republic, is written in Anti-Tragic Drama, a style that...
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