Plato

Who was Plato a student of?

Socrates

Who was Plato's most notable student?

Aristotle

What are three major works of Plato?

The Republic, Gorgias, and Apology

What is the central political question in Plato's Republic?

What is justice?

How does Plato describe the relationship between society and the soul?

Society mirrors the soul: reason (rulers/philosophers), spirit (guardians), appetite (producers/workers).

What does justice mean in the context of Plato's political ideas?

Justice exists when each class performs its proper role without interfering with others.

What is the Myth of the Metals theory?

It describes class divisions where gold represents philosophers/rulers, silver represents warriors/auxiliaries, and bronze represents producers.

What role do philosopher-kings play in Plato's ideal state?

They are the only ones fit to rule justly, as they understand the forms, especially the form of the good.

What does Plato's Theory of Forms suggest about the physical world?

The physical world is a shadow of the true reality, with the form of the good being the highest truth.

What is the Allegory of the Cave meant to illustrate?

It describes the philosopher's journey from ignorance to knowledge and the nature of reality.

In the Allegory of the Cave, what does the cave represent?

The world of appearances and ignorance.

What do the shadows in the Allegory of the Cave symbolize?

False beliefs and what most people think is real.

What does the sun represent in the Allegory of the Cave?

The form of the good, truth, and ultimate knowledge.

What does the journey out of the cave signify?

Education and the path to wisdom.

What is the philosopher's duty upon returning to the cave?

To help others understand the truth.

Why is education important in Plato's philosophy?

It is crucial for creating rational and virtuous rulers.

What is Plato's view on communal property for guardians?

Guardians live communally to avoid corruption and conflict of interest, with no property rights or families.

How does Plato critique democracy?

He views it as mob rule and a step toward tyranny.

What are the different regimes ranked by Plato from best to worst?

1. Aristocracy (rule by the best) 2. Timocracy (rule by honor) 3. Oligarchy (rule by the rich) 4. Democracy (rule by many) 5. Tyranny (rule by one).

What is the ideal regime according to Plato?

Aristocracy, or rule by the best.