Study Questions for
Assignment 28 -- Plato's Republic
- Plato describes the progressive decline of governments from aristocracy (the most perfect form of government) to tyranny. Please be prepared to enumerate each of stages (oligarchy, democracy, etc.) governments go through while moving between these two forms. Also be prepared to discuss the reasons Plato gives as to why a government progresses from one stage to the next.
- In section 544, Socrates states that "governments vary as the dispositions of men vary." Explain what Socrates means by that.
- Why do timocratic rulers not allow philosophers to rule? 547
- Describe the disposition of the timocratic man.
- Why is it that in a oligarchy if you are not rich, you are pauper?
- Describe the causes behind the development of the oligarchic man from a timocratic upbringing. 553
- How do democratic men come to disrespect oligarchic men?
- Describe the causes behind the development of the democratic man from an oligarchic upbringing. 561
- Socrates asks of a democracy, "in such a State, can liberty have any limit?" As Christians, do we have an answer to this question? 562
- How does the "people's protector" become a ruthless tyrant? 565
- How is a painter similar to a mirror?
- How is the maker of a bed also only an imitator?
- Why is God the "real maker of a real bed?"
- Why is Homer of no use to the State?
- Are you convinced
by Plato's arguments regarding the effects of watching theater? Why or why not? 606
- Why is their "ancient war" between philosophy and poetry? 607
- Explain Plato's argument for the immortality of the soul.
- Has Plato given a solution to the problem put forward by the story of Gyges' ring?
- Why does Plato end the Republic with the tale of Er?
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