The Republic - Plato

Where does the Republic’s dialogue begin?

In Cephalus’ house in Piraeus.

What is Cephalus’ definition of justice?

Telling the truth and repaying debts.

How does Socrates challenge Cephalus' definition?

He uses the example of returning a weapon to a madman.

How does Polemarchus define justice?

Helping friends and harming enemies.

What’s Socrates’ objection to Polemarchus’ idea?

We might mistake who our true friends and enemies are, and harming anyone makes them worse.

What does Thrasymachus say justice is?

The advantage of the stronger.

How does Socrates refute Thrasymachus?

He argues that rulers can make mistakes and that ruling is an art that should benefit the ruled.

What analogy does Socrates use for justice and the soul?

Justice is like health for the soul.

What are the three types of goods Glaucon describes?

Good in itself, good for its consequences, and good in both ways.

How is justice usually seen, according to Glaucon?

As only good for its consequences.

What is the Ring of Gyges story about?

A man who becomes invisible and commits injustices freely.

What does Adeimantus argue about justice?

That people value it for its reputation and rewards.

What strategy does Socrates use to define justice?

He examines justice in the city before the individual.

Why does Glaucon reject the “City of Pigs”?

He finds it too basic and desires luxury.

Why does war arise in the luxurious city?

Because of competition and luxury.

What kind of people are needed to defend the city?

Guardians who are both spirited and gentle.

What is the goal of education for guardians?

To cultivate courage, moderation, piety, and justice.

Why should stories be censored?

To remove immoral depictions of gods and harmful emotional content.

What are the two parts of guardian education?

Gymnastics for the body and music for the soul.

What is the “Noble Lie”?

A myth that all people are born with gold, silver, or bronze in their souls.

What is the purpose of the Noble Lie?

To promote social unity and acceptance of roles.

Why should guardians live without private property?

To prevent personal interest from interfering with the common good.

What are the three classes in the just city?

Rulers, auxiliaries, and producers.

What are the four virtues of the city?

Wisdom, courage, moderation, and justice.

How is justice defined in the city?

Doing one’s own work and not meddling.

What are the three parts of the soul?

Rational, spirited, and appetitive.

What part of the soul should rule?

Reason.

What is justice in the soul?

Harmony among its parts.

What radical idea is introduced about women?

Women can be guardians and should be equally educated.

Why is the family abolished among guardians?

To eliminate private interests.

What is the purpose of state-controlled mating festivals?

Selective breeding for better offspring.

What is the central thesis of Book V?

Philosophers must rule.

What distinguishes a true philosopher?

Love of wisdom and understanding the Forms.

What virtues must philosophers have?

Courage, temperance, quick learning, and good memory.

What is the Ship of State simile about?

Society’s failure to recognize the philosopher as a true navigator.

What is the Form of the Good?

The highest reality, source of truth and knowledge.

What is the Form of the Good compared to?

The sun.

What does the Allegory of the Cave represent?

The journey from ignorance to enlightenment.

What do the shadows represent?

Illusions and false beliefs.

What is the sun in the allegory?

The Form of the Good.

What is the goal of education?

To turn the soul toward truth.

What subjects begin the educational path?

Math: arithmetic, geometry, astronomy, and harmonics.

What is dialectic?

The highest form of study, seeking first principles and the Good.

What are the four unjust regimes in order?

Timocracy, oligarchy, democracy, tyranny.

What defines timocracy?

Rule by honor and spirited warriors.

What defines oligarchy?

Rule by the wealthy.

What defines democracy?

Rule by the masses and excessive freedom.

What defines tyranny?

Rule by one who is enslaved by desires and fear.

What dominates the tyrannical soul?

Base desires and internal conflict.

Who is the most miserable?

The tyrant.

Who experiences the truest pleasures?

The just and philosophical person.

What are the three measures of true pleasure?

Truth, purity, and permanence.

Why is imitative poetry dangerous?

It appeals to emotions rather than reason.

What kind of poetry should be allowed?

That which praises the gods and good men.

What myth ends the Republic?

The Myth of Er.

What does the Myth of Er describe?

Judgment after death and reincarnation based on one's choices.

What final insight does Socrates give about justice?

Justice leads to happiness in both this life and the next.