Philosopher or Nahh?
Book six talked primarily about philosophy in the government. I enjoyed reading because to me it seemed mostly like a debate, I may be completely wrong in thinking that, but I love debates. Socrates expressed what one had to be to be a true philosopher. He stressed that the true philosopher had many things to live up to. He had to be truthful, desiring of wisdom over pleasures, courageous, a proficient learner, and other things. However, what I found most interesting was how thin the line was that distinguished a true philosopher from a "fake" one (one who did not live up to, or live by the same standard). I believe Socrates expressed in such great detail the characteristics of a true philosopher because he had a problem with people who weren't true philosophers. His whole argument, or point, was that Philosophers were the most fit/ qualified to be in government positions. Then, there were others who "dirtied" the title of a Philosopher by claiming to be one, yet lived a lifestyle not agreeing with his words. Socrates disagreed with this because it only made it harder on people like himself who were trying to do what they might have believed best for that time.
I commented on Micheal's and Kayla's.
I commented on Micheal's and Kayla's.
Sometimes Socrates took out his frustration of his opponents in the form of his lectures. He even admits to that in one of the books (I can't remember which one!). His standard of a good ruler is very inspiring. Too bad more people don't read this book.
ReplyDeleteA true philosopher would make an ideal ruler yes, but is it really possible to have a leader who seeks only knowledge and not power? Plato knows the negative stigma around himself and others and i think he does want to show how wrong this is and only fake philosophers are the bad ones.
ReplyDeleteHe essentially raises the started for all philosophers in this moment. He is weeding out we weak and the half-hearted philosophers who are partially in it for the growth of knowledge, but also for the gain of ones self. He basically pulls the "If you can't handle the heat, stay out of the kitchen" card.
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