What are the four qualities of a properly founded city?
The Qualities of a Society (427d–434d)
1. What are the four qualities of a properly founded city?
2. 428b–429a: What is the wisdom of a city or community? Which caste is the bearer of wisdom? Try to explain which qualities make them wise (in contrast to the other castes).
3. 429a–430c: Which part of the society is the bearer of courage? How is courage defined? Explain also the analogy of dyeing clothes.
4. 431a: What is self-mastery or self-discipline for a person? How can it be spoiled?
5. 431b–432b: What is self-discipline on the level of a society? Which caste is the bearer of self-discipline?
6. 423b–434d: What is morality on the level of a society? Who is the bearer of morality?
The Qualities of the Mind (434d–448e)
In this part, Plato applies his ideas from the previous passage to the mind in order to find out what a moral person is. This passage is rather abstract and leads us into Plato’s metaphysics and epistemology. In the background, and still unspoken here, lies Plato’s theory of the Forms.
7. 436a: What is the general problem concerning the structure of the mind?
8. 438c–439a: Socrates distinguishes two kinds of knowledge. What are they? Give examples.
9. 439a–c: Explain the analogy Socrates draws between knowledge and thirst.
10. 439c–e: How does Socrates argue that the mind consists of at least two parts? [Hint: He also implicitly uses a (metaphysical) principle that he mentioned before in 436c.]
11. 439e–441d: What are the arguments that the passions are not an instance of either reason or the desires?
12. 441d–442e: Explain wisdom, courage, self-discipline, and morality for a person or the mind.
13. 444a–445a: What is immorality?
14. 445a-e: Why is morality rewarding? [More will be said in Ch. 11.]
Bring in your own opinions, critique, and evaluations whenever appropriate.
Reading:
Plato (2008, Ch. 6)Due date: Oct. 24, 23:59
Sample Solution
In Plato’s The Republic, he describes the four “virtuous” qualities of a properly founded city. These qualities are wisdom, courage, moderation and justice (Plato, 427d–434d). Wisdom refers to the ability of citizens to think logically and make wise decisions for the betterment of society. Courage is connected to bravery in times of difficulty or danger. Moderation involves having rational control over emotions and desires in order to maintain balance. Lastly, justice pertains to actions that adhere to what is right and fair within the confines of the law (Stewart & Kersting 2014).
Together these attributes create an idealistic state where citizens live according to moral principles. This ensures that politicians are just as capable as their fellow citizens when it comes making sound judgements on matters related to public policy or welfare (Plato 427d–434d). Additionally, it gives individuals a sense of security knowing that they can trust government officials due to their commitment towards virtuous behavior (Stewart & Kersting 2014).
The presence of these values within society provides stability since people feel less motivated towards pursuing unethical activities if they know consequences will follow such transgressions . Similarly it enables members from different social backgrounds or classes interact with one another on an equal footing rather than being divided by arbitrary distinctions like wealth or power (Plato 427d–434d). All this results in happier more productive societies which are capable sustaining themselves for long periods time without disruption (Stewart & Kersting 2014) .
