The Ancients Plato's Republic
53 snips
Jul 3, 2025 
Dr. James Romm, a Professor of Classics at Bard College and author of 'Plato and the Tyrant', joins to unravel the real-life influences behind Plato's 'Republic'. He discusses how his experiences in the tyrant-ruled Syracuse shaped his philosophical ideas on justice and governance. The conversation delves into the complexities of Plato's character, his tense relationships with rulers like Dionysius, and how political intrigue inspired his vision of ideal leadership. We learn that Plato was not just a philosopher but a man deeply affected by the tumult of his times.
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Republic's Core Question: Justice
- Plato's Republic is his magnum opus, worked on for four decades, exploring justice and governance through the ideal city-state concept.
- The central question it addresses is, "What is justice?" and why one should choose it over injustice.
Plato's Divine Myth Debunked
- Plato's image as a divine, perfect philosopher is heavily romanticized and idealized starting from his death.
- His successor even claimed he was fathered by Apollo, helping enshrine his semi-divine status in antiquity and later Renaissance thought.
Justice Through Class Structure
- The Republic uses analogy between the city-state and the soul to explore justice, building an ideal, perfectly just city.
- Justice means each class (rulers, military, producers) staying in its place without interference, ensuring stability and happiness for the whole city.
