Letters to Authors Smehra Letters to Authors

Dear Plato,

In "The Republic" you state: "We know that, when the bodily constitution is gone, life is no longer endurable, though pampered with all kinds of meats and drinks, and having all wealth and all power....the very essence of the vital principle is undermined and corrupted, life is still worth having to a man" (Republic, 18).

A implore you, dear Plato reconsider your statement here because it is full of errors in logic and thinking.

Personally, I think society is full of examples that counteract your argument regarding 'bodily constitution' and an 'endurable life'.

You are a logical and noble thinker, yet you have taken things at face value by associating the pleasures of life with bodily health. Do you not think that the physically, or mentally challenged are able to enjoy an endurable life?

It is after all in your argument that an astute bodily constitution - in mind and physique - is correlated to virtues and justice.

Perhaps you have only been surrounded by two kinds of men - those that honor justice and virtue, and those that do not.

It's possible, as a philosopher, of your particular stature that you have been unprivileged to witness the virtues of someone with a poor bodily constitution - least you...

Was he least able to understand moral virtues and justice because he was blind?
Was he only able to understand vices and injustices because his bodily constitution was below your Utopian ideal of human nature?

A say, he was above that vision. Beyond being a teacher, philosopher and honorable being, Cheron had honed his senses to make up for the lack of one. Does that not make him a far better being than you or I?

Perhaps Plato, you should clarify what it is you mean in regards to body and mind when it comes to the subject of virtues and justice. You should elaborate on what is the foundation of a 'bodily constitution' and maybe then, there will be little room for misinterpretation, as I feel, this is the only justification of your argument in The Republic. I find it hard to believe, in other words, that you would be biased towards those that are different to you.

As always, your philosophical ideas and essays entice thought and discussion, and I imagine that was your initial intention. I look forward to your thoughts on my thoughts on "The Republic," and say hello to Socrates and Aristotle - no doubt they share the same corner of the stars as you do.

Deepest Respect and…