Analysis of Plato´s Republic - 974 Words

Republic, perhaps Plato’s most famous work focusing on justice and its values, is also home to Socrates’ unique ideas and the challenges that he faces throughout his dialogues with other philosophers. Nevertheless, justice is not the only topic that Plato examines in his work. In the Republic, a simple discussion of the justice and the different characteristics of cities, escalates into a discussion about the souls of individuals. Socrates starts out by offering an agreement to the fact that since cities are made of individuals, their characteristics can also be found in individuals. From his writings, Plato exemplifies most of Socrates’ arguments towards the development of his own arguments. One very famous theory developed by Plato from†¦show more content†¦Though Socrates attempts to define the three parts of the soul in detail, he is faced with some challenges. Socrates seems unsatisfied with his discovery, as he questions himself whether these parts work individually, or together, each controlling an appropriate portion of the soul. In order to find an appropriate explanation to his question, Socrates brings an example of a soul desiring a drink, and a soul that is desires to get a drink. He claims that although driven by the same desire of thirst, these are different. However, the souls can never desire completely opposite things at the same exact time. For example, if one part of the soul wants a drink, and the other part desires to get a drink, the third part cannot forbid itself from taking a drink. Aside from defining the different parts of the soul, Socrates also needs to prove that the souls can be viewed as having virtues, just like the cities. The city originated by Socrates in the theory is a entirely good city. In his words, â€Å"it is wise, courageous, moderate and just† (Republic 4.427d). Socrates presents each virtue (wisdom, courage, moderation, and justice) in the city. Now, he is determined to show t hat the same virtues exist within individuals. Consequently, Socrates proves that justice is comfort for the soul and henceforth beneficial to the soul. (444c–445a). Socrates divides sets each virtue where he believes they belong. He claims thatShow MoreRelatedRhetorical Analysis Of Plato s Republic1412 Words   |  6 PagesIn Plato’s Republic he has many examples of rhetoric. In regards to the controversial topic of women and eugenics in which Plato is almost forced into mentioning because of Adeimantus and Glaucon, he uses various rhetorical statements to portray his view on the matter. His readers believe women should be equal, so Plato attempts to persuade his readers into thinking he believes the same. For example, in the passage on women and family Plato states, â€Å"we shall assign these to each accordingly; butRead MoreAnalysis Of Plato s Republic And The Letter Of The City Essay1328 Words   |  6 PagesAssignment 1 Within Plato’s Republic, are various theories and ideas about justice and if it something that is just in itself. This essay is meant to shine light on three of the key concepts – (1) He has succeeded in Thrasymachus’s challenge, (2) being just provides more happiness than being unjust, and (3) the letter of the city is irrelevant and does not help his case. Thrasymachus’s theory is that there is no benefit to being just and that benefit would only com to the powerful. However,Read MoreAnalysis Of Plato s Republic : The Definition Of Justice Essay986 Words   |  4 Pages In Plato’s Republic, Socrates begins a debate on the definition of justice. It starts off as a simple discussion on what justice means to some people. 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