Plato's "Republic"

Analytical Essay # 58162

English > Analysis
Literature > Greek and Roman
Philosophy > Ancient Greek

Plato's "Republic"

An analysis of the relationship between the "Allegory of the Cave" and the "Myth of Metals" in Plato's "Republic".

1,495 words () | 1 source | APA | 2005 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper analyzes the symbolic relationship between the "Allegory of the Cave" and the "Myth of Metals" in Plato's "Republic" and the purpose of one with respect to the other. It attempts to show how the role of the "Myth of Metals" can be defined inside the cave, since the cities at their present state are the caves, and the citizens are prisoners. They neither see the way of good life nor are capable of getting there without the help of the philosopher.

From the Paper:

"One cannot tell how big of a concern that would be for the escaped prisoner who has no obligation to the other prisoners. To our philosopher, however, who is by Socrates' condition also a guardian of a city, this would be a major impediment. Not able to show the true Good and true happiness to the ruled, not able to explain their meaning in a language understandable by non-philosophers, the guardian is yet bound by his obligation to do whatever is the best for the Republic and its citizens. The philosopher would realize that perfect happiness, the one he was exposed to in the light of the knowledge, cannot be seen in shadows or explained with language used by the other citizens."