Republic Book Divisions and Philosopher Kings

The division of The Republic into 10 books was likely imposed around 100 BC and isn't Plato's original structure, these books align with topics or arguments. Plato likely intended for the Republic to be read in its current order from beginning to end.

Book 1 serves as an introduction, presenting views on justice from Cephalos, Polymarchus, and Thrasymachus. Thrasymachus's view echoes Callicles in Gorgias.
-Thrasymachus: Justice is determined by those in power.
-Callicles: Distinguishes between man-made law and the law of nature.

Books 2-10 concern the fictional city described by Socrates.

• Books 2-3: Focus on the foundation and education of the guardians.

• Book 5: Discusses further arrangements within the city.

• Books 6-7: Delve into the education of the philosophers.

• Book 4: Applies the city analogy to the individual soul, discussing justice and virtues.

• Books 8-9: Concern other constitutions and souls.

• Book 10: Covers art, poetry, myth, and rewards for justice, addressing the challenge by Glaucon and Adeimantus in Book 2.

Books 8 and 9 discuss constitutions and souls that are not as well-ordered as those of the philosopher. Plato indicates this discussion was meant to follow Book 4 but was interrupted.

Some scholars speculate Book 1 was originally a separate dialogue and Books 5-7 might have been added later.

Book 5 discusses family arrangements and the treatment of disabled children, reflecting ancient Greek practices that Plato doesn't explicitly criticize.

Common children mitigate nepotism. The question of realizing the ideal city in practice is raised.

Before philosopher kings, there is a discussion about civil war and treating Greeks, including rewards for the best fighters.

Rewards for guardians who die for their city include being worshipped as heroes, connecting to Hesiod's ages of the world.

The myth of metals (gold, silver, etc.) relates to ages of men; guardians who die for their city are honored as having gold in their souls.

Philosopher kings are introduced as significant and controversial. This concept posits that ideal governance can only be achieved when intellectual rigor and philosophical insight are combined with political authority.

Socrates faces three waves of opposition:

1. Women are like men in terms of societal roles.

2. Abolish guardian families.

3. Philosophers must be kings.

The three waves may relate to tsunamis, with the third being the largest.

Philosophers ruling may be met with laughter and contempt. Socrates argues there will be no end to troubles until philosophers become kings or kings become philosophers, uniting political power and philosophy.

The discussion raises the question of what a philosopher is.

The lecture dismisses Plato's political experiments in Sicily and focuses on the text of the Republic.