Plato's Republic: Regimes and City-Soul Dynamics (Chapters 1–10)

A set of Q&A flashcards covering key concepts from Chapters 1–10 of the lecture notes.

What is the ideal regime on paper in Chapter 1 and who would rule it?

The philosopher-king regime, ruled by a philosopher king with a very small, disciplined Guardian military trained from birth.

How is the military described in the ideal regime?

A very small, highly trained Guardians of the Military who are prepared to fight.

Which ancient society does Socrates admire for military virtue, and how is this reflected in Chapter 3?

The Spartans; Socrates admires their toughness and their practice of training children to fight.

What happens to the ideal regime when it declines in the city?

The regime on paper collapses as the city declines.

What tends to happen when the philosopher-king dies, according to the notes?

A real-world regime emerges, typically a democracy led by the people, often with a military figure taking control.

What transition follows democracy in Chapter 5?

An oligarchy is established by the ruling class after the war and the collapse of democracy.

What character traits define the oligarchs and their heirs in Chapter 6?

Oligarchs value money and honors; their heirs want both and resist taking responsibility, being spoiled and seeking status without fighting.

Why do the oligarchs wage wars, according to Chapter 7?

To keep their names in the papers and display toughness; wars are financed by taxation and benefit the rulers' prestige.

What happens when the poor gain power in Chapters 8–9?

Democracy broadens as the poor gain influence; the masses are seen as clueless and focused on material comforts, leading to political volatility.

What does the phrase 'soul writ large' signify in this context?

The health of the city reflects the health of the soul; when love of money surpasses love of honor, the city (and soul) declines.

What is the main takeaway about forms of government in Chapter 10?

There is no single best form of government; democracy has liberties but also costs; historical thinkers like Jefferson and Madison learned from Plato, Aristotle, Locke, and Hobbes.

What modern-life critique appears in Chapter 4 about 'real world people'?

Critique of excessive cell phone use and material obsession; money and comfort are prioritized over wisdom and virtue.