The Unjust Philosopher of Plato's REPUBLIC

FAIN: FT-55452-07

Roslyn E. Weiss
Lehigh University (Bethlehem, PA 18015-3027)

In the REPUBLIC Socrates describes the philosopher whose vision of the Good not only renders him a supremely just man but also enables him to instill justice in others and to make his city just. This project exposes the unattractive underside of this philosopher. It shows that he is immoderate and unjust, and, as he is described in Book 7, so self-centered as to have to be compelled to tend to the city. Not much better are the useless philosophers limned in Book 6, who “huddle by a little wall,” guarding only themselves against injustice and unholy deeds. In stark contrast to these two philosophical types stands Socrates, who represents the ideal human being: a devoted seeker after wisdom, a man not only just but also generous toward others.

Associated Products

Philosophers in the 'Republic': Plato's Two Paradigms (Book)
Title: Philosophers in the 'Republic': Plato's Two Paradigms
Author: Roslyn Weiss
Abstract: It is argued that Plato's 'Republic' contains two types of philosopher, the natural philosopher who loves the Forms and would rule willingly under reasonable circumstances, and the philosopher by design who has no natural love for the Forms but has to be coerced both to ascend out of the 'Cave' to the transcendent realm and to descend to the Cave to rule.
Year: 2012
Primary URL: http://http://www.worldcat.org/title/philosophers-in-the-republic-platos-two-paradigms/oclc/787509801&referer=brief_results
Publisher: Cornell University Press
Type: Single author monograph
ISBN: 9780801449741
Copy sent to NEH?: Yes

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