Plato's Political Theory - Quiz 1

These flashcards cover key vocabulary from the lecture about Plato's political theory and the concepts presented in his work, The Republic.

Academy

The school founded by Plato in 387 BC that trained future lawgivers and advisers.

The Republic

Plato's greatest work, outlining his political theory, written between 380-370 BC.

Politeia

The Greek word for 'constitution,' which also implies broader meanings related to the life or way of life of a city.

Theory of Forms

Plato's philosophical concept suggesting that non-material abstract forms (or ideas) represent the most accurate reality.

Justice (according to Plato)

A principle where each individual performs their own tasks and does not interfere with others' responsibilities.

Virtues of the Just City

Wisdom, courage, temperance, and justice; essential for the ideal functioning of society.

Rulers

Philosopher-kings in Plato's just city, responsible for making intelligent decisions for the city.

Auxiliaries

The fighting force of the just city, trained to protect and serve the Rulers.

Productive Class

Farmers, craftsmen, and traders who manage the city's economic life within Plato's structure.

Glaucon's Argument

A challenge posed to Socrates questioning whether justice is inherently good or merely a means to gain social approval.

The Allegory of the Cave

An important metaphor in Plato's work illustrating the difference between the world of appearances and the world of reality.

Moral Reform

The idea central to Plato's political theory that a just society is essential for forming just individuals.

Three Parts of the Soul

The appetitive (desires), rational (reasoning), and spirited (will) parts that correspond to the classes of the just city.

Courage (in the city)

The virtue of the Auxiliaries, enabling them to face danger and temptations with resolve.

Temperance

A virtue concerning the harmonious acceptance of one's social role in Plato's just city.

Socrates' Method

Philosophical technique of inquiry through dialogue to uncover truth and stimulate critical thinking.

Gyges' Ring

A story used by Glaucon to argue that if people could act unjustly without consequence, they would do so.

The Analogy of the Sun (Republic VI)

1. The Role of the Good

   • The Good is the source of light (truth) and the power of knowing.

   • Just as the sun makes visible objects visible to the eye, the Good makes intelligible Forms understandable to the soul.

2. Metaphysical Significance

   • The Sun facilitates growth and life in the physical world.

   • The Good provides 'being' and 'essence' to the Forms themselves.

The Divided Line

A visual metaphor for the different levels of reality and knowledge:

1. The Visible World (Doxa/Opinion)

   • Eikasia (Imagination): Shadows, reflections, and art.

   • Pistis (Belief): Physical objects and animals.

2. The Intelligible World (Episteme/Knowledge)

   • Dianoia (Thought): Mathematical reasoning and hypotheses.

   • Noesis (Understanding): Direct dialectical grasp of the Forms and the Form of the Good.

Theory of Recollection (Anamnesis)

1. The Concept
   • The soul is immortal and has seen the Forms in a previous existence.
2. The Process of Learning
   • Learning is not the acquisition of new information but the 'remembering' of what the soul already knows.
   • Sensory experiences act as prompts to help us recall the perfect abstract truths (2+2=4 or the nature of Equality).

The Noble Lie (The Myth of the Metals)

A foundational myth told to the citizens of the Just City to ensure social stability:

1. The Narrative
   • All citizens are born from the earth (autochthony).
2. The Hierarchy
   • Gold: Mixed into the souls of the Rulers.
   • Silver: Mixed into the souls of the Auxiliaries.
   • Iron and Bronze: Mixed into the souls of the Productive Class (farmers/craftsmen).

Degeneration of the State

Plato's theory on the inevitable decay of political systems from best to worst:

1. Aristocracy: The rule of the philosopher-king (Ideal).
2. Timocracy: Rule based on honor and military glory (Spirit over Reason).
3. Oligarchy: Rule based on wealth and property classes.
4. Democracy: Rule by the masses, characterized by 'excessive freedom' and lack of discipline.
5. Tyranny: The ultimate decay, where a single leader rules through fear and appetite.

Censorship and Mimesis (Art)

1. Metaphysical Critique
   • Art is 'thrice removed' from reality (the Form, the physical object, and then the painting/poem).
2. Moral Critique
   • Poetry (like Homer) often depicts gods and heroes acting immorally or showing weakness.
   • Plato argued for strict censorship in the Just City to ensure the youth are only exposed to virtuous role models.

The Form of the Good

1. The Ultimate Principle
   • The highest of all Forms, existing beyond 'being' in dignity and power.
2. Purpose
   • It is the goal of all inquiry and the reason why anything is useful or beneficial.
   • A Philosopher-King must behold the Form of the Good before they are fit to rule the city.