Republic, Book VII and the Symposium Flashcards
What is Plato’s “Two-World Ontology”? How does this understanding of the world support the idea that the reasoning part of the soul should rule?
Plato’s “Two-World Ontology” is a philosophical framework that posits the existence of two distinct realms of reality: the sensible world (the world of appearances) and the intelligible world (the world of Forms or Ideas). This dualistic view of reality plays a significant role in Plato’s philosophy and supports the idea that the reasoning part of the soul should rule.
The Sensible World: The sensible world, according to Plato, is the world we perceive with our physical senses. It is a world of change, imperfection, and uncertainty. In this world, objects are particular and subject to constant flux.
The Intelligible World: The intelligible world, in contrast, is the realm of Forms or Ideas. It is an eternal and unchanging world of abstract concepts, perfect and timeless archetypes that serve as the true reality behind the imperfect appearances of the sensible world. These Forms include concepts like justice, beauty, truth, and goodness.
Support for the Reasoning Part of the Soul Ruling: Plato’s “Two-World Ontology” supports the idea that the reasoning part of the soul should rule because it posits that the realm of Forms or Ideas, which represents ultimate truth and reality, can only be apprehended by reason and intellect. The world of appearances, while accessible through the senses, is characterized by deception and imperfection.
Describe the “Allegory of the Cave.” How does it illustrate Plato’s two world ontology (the sensible and the intelligible)? How does it illustrate Plato’s philosophy of education?
In the allegory, prisoners are chained inside a dark cave, facing the wall. Behind them, a fire casts shadows on the cave wall, and the prisoners mistake these shadows for reality. They are unaware of the outside world.
The Sensible World: The prisoners represent individuals living in the sensible world, where they perceive only the shadows of reality and remain ignorant of the true Forms or Ideas.
The Intelligible World: The world outside the cave symbolizes the intelligible world, where the sun represents the Form of the Good, the ultimate source of truth and knowledge.
Illustration of Plato’s Philosophy of Education: The allegory highlights the transformative power of education and philosophical enlightenment. In the allegory, a philosopher who escapes the cave and sees the world outside undergoes a process of intellectual and moral growth. This journey from darkness to light represents the philosopher’s ascent to higher knowledge and the recognition of the Forms.
Plato’s philosophy of education is evident in the allegory, as he emphasizes the importance of guiding individuals out of ignorance and toward the pursuit of truth and wisdom through philosophical inquiry and education.
Describe the “Ascent of Love” in the Symposium. How does it compare to the allegory of the cave? What does it add? What does it tell us about Plato’s view of the relationship between love and knowledge? What does it tell us about Plato’s picture of what kind of life is worth living?
The “Ascent of Love” is a philosophical discourse presented by the character Diotima in Plato’s “Symposium.” It describes the progression of love, or Eros, from physical attraction to a higher, intellectual form of love. While it has similarities to the Allegory of the Cave, it adds depth to Plato’s ideas on love and knowledge.
Comparison to the Allegory of the Cave:
Like the Allegory of the Cave, the “Ascent of Love” portrays a journey of enlightenment and ascent to higher truths.
In the Allegory, prisoners ascend from darkness to the light of the sun, representing the ascent from ignorance to knowledge. In the “Ascent of Love,” individuals ascend from physical attraction to intellectual and spiritual love, symbolizing the pursuit of higher wisdom and understanding.
Love and Knowledge:
Diotima’s discourse suggests that love is not merely physical desire but a powerful force that drives individuals to seek knowledge and transcendence.
Love begins with the attraction to physical beauty but can evolve into the pursuit of spiritual and intellectual beauty, ultimately leading to the contemplation of eternal truths and the Forms.
Worth of Life:
The “Ascent of Love” implies that a life dedicated to the pursuit of wisdom and truth, guided by love, is the most worthwhile and fulfilling life. It aligns with Plato’s view that the philosophical life, characterized by the pursuit of knowledge and virtue, is the highest and most fulfilling way to live.
In summary, the “Ascent of Love” in the “Symposium” adds depth to Plato’s philosophy of love, knowledge, and the value of a philosophical life. It portrays the transformative power of love in guiding individuals toward intellectual and spiritual enlightenment, paralleling the journey of the soul from ignorance to wisdom in the Allegory of the Cave.
