A Reaction to Reading Plato S Republic

¶ … Socratic dialogue allows us as readers to engage with Plato's text and the many diverse issues the philosopher raises in The Republic. Of the books contained in The Republic, the most engaging proved to be Books 5 and 7. Book 5 presents one of the earliest recorded feminist arguments, and Book 7 puts us in direct contact with one of the most famous philosophical analogies of all time: that of the cave. I was more surprised to encounter the former than the latter, but both offer rich fruit for discussion.

Moreover, I completely agree with Plato's assessment of the fundamental value and function of education.

In a rare display of humor, Plato, through Socrates, points out one of the drawbacks of coeducational gymnasiums: " the most ridiculous thing of all will be the sight of women naked in the palaestra, exercising with the men, especially when they are no longer young; they certainly will not be a vision of beauty, any more than the enthusiastic old men who in spite of wrinkles and ugliness continue to frequent the gymnasia." Had the author not also criticized the appearance of the wrinkled old men, then the first part of that passage might be taken as a completely insulting double standard but Plato does in fact make fun of old bodies, both male and female.

I found this to be as funny as it was refreshing. I appreciate that Socrates argues logically against sex-segregation and challenges his opponents to validate their sexist arguments. I only believe it is a shame that Plato's views on gender equity failed to become a part of European cultural norms until very recently, and that women continue to struggle for basic human rights around the world. Plato's cave analogy might, however, account for the biased views that cause sexism, racism, and other prejudicial fallacies.

Most people have a sheep-like mind, following what they hear on the news or the latest trends. Without thinking for themselves or thinking critically, the vast numbers of people remain ignorant or in the proverbial cave. They mistake the shadows on the wall for reality. This is even more true now than it was for Plato, given the preponderance of media messages and the reduction of the truth to something that can be bought, sold, and manipulated.

Only a few people are courageous enough, and willing to work hard enough, to leave the comfort and safety of the cave for the real world beyond it. Doing so isolates the "enlightened" person from the rest of humanity, but in so doing, the person can gain wisdom and respect. Interestingly, Plato does not even seem to be making a moral judgment for or against living in the cave, for he seems to recognize that some people are simply not interested in leaving.

Finally, one of the most interesting parts of The Republic is when Plato discusses education in Book 3. Education for Plato meant so much more than memorizing facts or passing standardized tests. There were no "common core" standards for the ancient Greeks. Instead, the education system provided a multifaceted system of cognitive development that encouraged creative and critical thinking. It also included.