Equality and Dictatorship? Book 5

So far, Book 5 has made me very happy, yet very unhappy. The two major points in this book have to deal with women and children. The idea that Socrates and the other men come up with about the equality of women made me very happy. Women are finally seen as equals to men in an important way! But, the idea that children should not know their parents nor shall the parents know really took me by surprise, and it was not a good surprise.

Book 5 basically discusses the role of women and children in society. Socrates believes that women are equal to men, with the exception that they are the weaker sex. Socrates and Glaucona both agree that women should perform the same functions as men. On page 145, Socrates states that "those men and women who display distinct aptitudes for any given kind of work will be assigned to do that work." The pair then continue to discuss women's role in government, and agree that a women have the same opportunity to be in government as a man. Finally, the two discuss the possibility of women guardians. On page 147, Socrates states that "it follows that women with the requisite qualities must be chosen to live and guard together with men of like qualities." Women can protect along with men if they portray the right qualities. Finally, women are getting the respect they deserve! This is one of the first times in our readings that women are considered equal to men. This is a big and exciting milestone for women.

The idea that Socrates has to separate children from their parents is terrible. From what I have heard from parents, once your child is born, there is an attachment. This attachment is a deep, emotional attachment, especially between mother and child. I know that some people with children may not feel that attachment and are not as loving, but I believe the majority do. It is just cruel to deny a child of that special love and bond, and to deny parents the full experience and joy of raising a child. 

What also left me unhappy when reading was this idea of breeding and rewards to men. Socrates expects the superior to mate with the superior as much as possible, and the inferior to mate with the inferior as little as possible. Where's the love? Where's the connection? Also, why would a reward for men excelling in their field be "more frequent love-making with the women?" I understand that this idea promotes the insurance of superior children, but it is still very wrong. 

Socrates and his friend are basically agreeing on rules and regulations that they believe should be put into place. This is starting to feel like a sort of dictatorship in my opinion. But I do agree with the section on equality for women. I could go on and on about my opinion on this chapter, but I'm going to stop here or else I will turn in a late and extremely long post.

Sydney Snow

P.S. I commented on Gray's & Katie's post.