Friday, March 24, 2017
One question Plato seems to be asking throughout the republic is how can we build a city that functions well because everyone is doing what they are meant to be doing. This question has basically been at the core of political philosophy since then. Plato seems to think the answer to this question is people need direction and I do agree with him to some extent. My problem is how limiting the Socrate's city of words an be at times (limits on music art etc.). Is it possible to have a more free society that still directs people to what they are most suited for?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
We sort of approached this idea in class, and I think came to the conclusion that, for people who are truly passionate about poetry or music, those kinds of limitations would inevitably be surpassed. This is the problem with censorship in general, I think. If a state does not trust its population with knowledge, the citizens will eventually start to resent that sort of "protection." Though Socrates limits the arts in order to keep the city of words stable, I think in practicality that has the opposite effect.
ReplyDelete