R3.5 Food for the Soul | Plato's Republic, book 3 w/ Angie Hobbs (pt. 2)
May 15, 2021
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Angie Hobbs joins to discuss Plato's theory of mimesis in book 3 of the Republic, emphasizing how art and cultural products impact our souls. They also explore the relationship between beauty, music, morality, and thumos in shaping future rulers, highlighting the importance of controlling what enters our souls for justice and virtue.
Plato's theory of mimesis highlights the influence of art and cultural products on the health of our souls, emphasizing the need for careful control over what enters our psyches.
Plato's critique of dramatized storytelling in theatre and other arts underscores the ethical concerns of encouraging identification and emulation of flawed characters, advocating for nourishing our souls with virtuous representations.
Deep dives
The Power of Ideology in Society
Ideology is everywhere and constantly communicates information to us. In a coffee shop, the art, menu items, packaging, t-shirts, and even the arrangement of furniture all convey subtle messages and contribute to a particular vibe. This idea aligns with Plato's view in Book 3 of the Republic, where he argues that what enters our souls, including music, books, and even scrolling on our phones, feeds our psyches and should be carefully controlled. Plato's theory of mimesis extends the concept to all human creations, stating that everything we make contains imitations of harmony, beauty, and virtue. Surrounding ourselves with representations of harmony and virtue nourishes our souls, while representations of discord and vice become junk food for the soul.
The Ethics of Mimetic Storytelling
Plato's theory of mimesis in Book 3 of the Republic explores the ethical implications of dramatized storytelling, particularly in the context of theater. According to Plato, drama is a mimetic form of storytelling where flawed characters are represented or imitated. Socrates critiques this art form, arguing that it can be ethically problematic because it encourages imaginative identification and emulation of flawed characters. Socrates extends the argument to all human arts and crafts, emphasizing that the representations found in music, furniture, paintings, buildings, and clothes have an effect on our souls. Plato suggests censoring musical scales and rhythms that imitate bad things to ensure that the soul is nourished with good representations and virtuous content.
The Link Between Beauty, Goodness, and Mathematics
Plato's view in Book 3 of the Republic asserts a direct connection between beauty, goodness, and mathematics. He argues that our psyches are deeply affected by the beauty we perceive through our senses, and that appreciation of true beauty can lead to welcoming reason and the rational good. Plato believes there is a link between ethical categories and representations found in human creations. Surrounding ourselves with representations of harmony, symmetry, and beauty nourishes our souls and helps develop an ethical disposition. Though controversial, this idea of beauty and goodness being intertwined through mathematical ratios and harmonies can still be explored today and offers insights into the importance of cultivating an appreciation for true beauty in our lives.
The Role of Gymnastics and the Thumos in Education
In Book 3 of the Republic, Plato emphasizes the importance of gymnastics not only for physical fitness but also for training the thumos, an element of the psyche associated with drive and honor. The physical training is aimed at toning and balancing the thumos, as well as the rational and philosophic elements of the soul. By nurturing the thumos, individuals can develop a healthy sense of self-respect, honor, and courage. Plato argues that a balanced education, which includes physical training, an appreciation of beauty, and a focus on moral virtues, can help individuals grow into well-rounded citizens capable of contributing to a flourishing society.
In the second half of book 3 of the Republic, Plato lays out the controversial theory of mimesis, which states that all art, man-made objects, and cultural products in our environment have profound effects on the health of our souls.
With us to help us unpack, analyze, and evaluate Plato’s arguments is, once again, Angie Hobbs, professor of the public understanding of philosophy at the University of Sheffield, England.
