Plato

1
Platos RepublicBooks II, III and X

• Prepared by
• Dr. Kay Picart
• Associate Professor of English
• Courtesy Associate Professor of Law

2
Guide Questions

• Why does Socrates/Plato advocate censorship in
  Book II of the Republic?
• What types of artists are allowed/disallowed in
  the ideal city state?

3
Debate Questions

• Do you agree or disagree with Plato that there is
  a need for censorship of literature for the
  youth?
• Who should decide what is censored and what is
  not?

4
Guide Question

• For Plato, who decides what is allowed and what
  is not?
• What is the concept of the noble lie, and its
  usefulness?

5
Guide Question

• According to Socrates/Plato, how should gods and
  goddesses be depicted, and why?

6
Discussion Question

• How does the concept of divinity in Plato differ
  from that in Homer/Greek mythology?

7
Discussion Question

• In Book III, what is the new form of heroism
  Plato advocates?
• What makes it different from the heroism of Homer
  and Greek mythology?

8
Discussion Question

• What types or styles of poetry and music are
  allowed in Platos Republic, and why?

9
Acceptable Musical Instruments

• What musical instruments are acceptable according
  Plato?

10
Acceptable Rhythms

• What are acceptable rhythms according to Plato?

11
Overall Discussion Question

• Based on book X, what constitutes the so-called
  quarrel between Philosophy and Poetry, according
  to Plato?

12
The Difference Between Philosophy Poetry,
according to Plato

• Philosophy

• Poetry