Second+Review+of+Plato's+Republic

In his //Republic//, Plato examines the nature of domestic relationship, of government, and social classes.

In //Republic,// Plato explains the nature of domestic relationships. Plato tries to establish the equality of males and females by asking, “Are dogs divided into hes and shes, or do they both share equally in hunting and in keeping watch and in the other duties of dogs?” Plato then tries to decide if males should be trusted to take care of the flocks, while the females stay at home and take care of the younger ones and do things around the house. Plato states that, “The only difference between them is that the males are stronger and the females are weaker.” Plato believes that if women are going to have the same duties as men then they must have the same education. Plato explains how the men’s education consists of music and gymnastics. He continues that if both men and women are equal, then women should be taught about music, gymnastics, and the art of war.

In Republic, Plato examines the way the government is constructed. According to Plato, justice is desirable because it is connected to the intimate relationship between the just life and its forms. The government revolves around justice and if there is no justice within the government it would fail.

In Republic, Plato examines the three social classes and how they are run. The first class are the producers. The producers consist of craftsmen, farmers, artisians, and others. Producers are primarily dominated by their appetites; for example, they are pleasured by money and luxury. These producers must limit themselves to perfecting whatever skills nature granted to them. The next class are auxiliaries who are also known as warriors. These warriors serve to protect society and must go into battle when needed. If these warriors do not perform what they are required to do, the whole social system would fail. These warriors also must uphold the rulers convictions. Warriors are usually dominated by their spirits, which help them to be courageous. The last class is the guardians who are also known as the rulers. The rulers must be able to control the Republic so that it doesn’t become unjust. These rulers are dominated by their rational faculties and strive for knowledge. The best class of rulers is the philosophers. The philosophers are the only men who possess a good amount of knowledge and are also known to be the most just.

The themes in Plato’s //Republic// are based on social classes, politics, justice, and domestic relationships. These themes help build the entire Republic.

Posted by Atlantis