| FT-55452-07 | Research Programs: Summer Stipends | Roslyn E. Weiss | The Unjust Philosopher of Plato's REPUBLIC | 6/1/2007 - 8/31/2007 | $5,000.00 | Roslyn | E. | Weiss | | | | Lehigh University | Bethlehem | PA | 18015-3027 | USA | 2007 | History of Philosophy | Summer Stipends | Research Programs | 5000 | 0 | 5000 | 0 |
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. |