Plato Flashcards
(29 cards)
What are the four categories in Plato’s framework for understanding justice?
- Intrinsically good – Good in itself (e.g., knowledge).
- Intrinsically bad – Bad in itself (e.g., ignorance).
- Finally good – Leads to positive outcomes (e.g., health).
- Finally bad – Leads to negative outcomes (e.g., drunkenness and hangovers).
What is the “big question” about justice in Plato’s political philosophy?
“Is justice always good?” Can it ever lead to something bad?
- “Is injustice invariably bad?” Can it ever lead to something good?
What heuristic question arises from Glaucon’s framework on justice?
Where do you place justice in the framework (intrinsically good, intrinsically bad, finally good, finally bad)?
What are the three parts of Glaucon’s challenge to Socrates?
- The origins of justice: Justice arises from mutual agreement to avoid harm.
- Compliance with justice: People only follow justice unwillingly, under enforcement.
- Justice vs. injustice: The unjust life is better than the just life.
What is Glaucon’s argument about justice and human nature?
- Human nature seeks self-interest.
- Justice is a convention imposed by the weak majority to curb the strong.
- Laws enforce what is deemed “just,” which is contrary to natural desires.
Who are the protagonists in Plato’s “Ship of State” analogy, and what do they represent?
- Shipowner – Represents the populace, ignorant but possessing authority.
- Sailors – Competing politicians or demagogues; lack true knowledge.
- Captain – Often a demagogue; lacks the wisdom to lead.
- True captain (philosopher-king) – The ideal ruler; possesses knowledge and virtue.
What is the utility of philosophers in governance, according to Plato?
Philosophers, though seemingly “useless,” have the wisdom and knowledge necessary for just and effective governance.
How does the ship analogy conceptualize the state?
The shipowner** (the people) lacks understanding and is easily misled.
- The sailors (politicians) vie for control through manipulation, not competence.
- Only a true captain (philosopher-king) is fit to lead, as they understand navigation (justice and virtue).
What are three arguments supporting the utility of the ship analogy?
- Highlights the dangers of unqualified leadership.
- Emphasizes the necessity of expertise in governance.
- Demonstrates the philosopher’s role in providing stability and justice.
What are three criticisms of the ship analogy?
- Overly dismissive of democratic participation.
- Assumes a static view of leadership competence.
- Risks promoting elitism by idealizing philosopher-kings.
What is the “tri-partite soul” and its relation to the state?
Rational (wisdom), Spirited (courage), and Appetitive (desires).
- These correspond to the classes in the kallipolis (ideal state):
- Rulers – Rational.
- Guardians – Spirited.
- Producers – Appetitive.
What is Plato’s criticism of democracy?
- Democracy prioritizes individual desires over collective good.
- It risks rule by the uninformed majority and leads to chaos.
How does Plato distinguish between instrumental and final value?
Instrumental value: Valued as a means to an end (e.g., wealth).
Final value: Valued for its own sake (e.g., happiness).
How can the “Ship of State” analogy address modern problems?
- Identifies the importance of informed leadership.
- Warns against populism and demagoguery.
- Suggests the need for philosophical principles in policymaking.
What contemporary challenges cannot fit into Plato’s analogy?
- Complexities of global interdependence.
- Democratic accountability and public engagement.
- Ethical pluralism in modern societies.
What are the three parts of the soul according to Plato?
- Rational — Governs reason and seeks truth and wisdom.
- Spirited – Governs emotions like courage, ambition, and honor.
- Appetitive – Governs desires for physical pleasures and material possessions.
How does the tri-partite soul relate to justice within an individual?
Justice occurs when:
1. The rational part rules.
- The spirited part supports the rational part.
- The appetitive part is controlled and balanced.
How does Plato connect the tri-partite soul to the structure of the state?
- Rational soul → Rulers (philosopher-kings):
Provide wisdom and leadership. - Spirited soul → Guardians (warriors):
Protect and uphold the ruler’s decisions. - Appetitive soul → Producers (artisans, farmers):
Supply the material needs of society.
What happens when the tri-partite soul is unbalanced?
- Rational part overpowered: Leads to ignorance and poor decisions.
- Spirited part overpowered: Results in aggression and tyranny.
- Appetitive part overpowered: Creates greed and moral decay.
Why does Plato consider the rational part of the soul superior? (Not acc to the text)
- It seeks truth and knowledge, aligning with the ideal of justice.
- It can govern the other parts harmoniously.
What is Plato’s definition of justice in the state?
Justice is each class performing its proper role without interfering with others.
What is the concept of the kallipolis?
Plato’s ideal city-state, structured to reflect the harmony of the tri-partite soul:
1. Rulers (wisdom).
2. Guardians (courage).
3. Producers (moderation).
What does Plato mean by the “philosopher-king”?
The ideal ruler, a philosopher with knowledge of the Forms, especially the Form of the Good, and the ability to govern wisely.
How does Plato define the Form of the Good?
The highest and most perfect reality, the ultimate source of all truth, justice, and beauty.
