What is Book 7 of the Republic about?

Book VII of Plato’s Republic contains the most famous metaphor of philosophy – the Allegory of the Cave. Socrates requests that his audience imagine a group of prisoners chained since birth to the bottom of a cave. The prisoners can only see the wall in front of them. They cannot turn their heads to either side.

What is Book 7 of Plato’s Republic?

In Book VII, Socrates presents the most beautiful and famous metaphor in Western philosophy: the allegory of the cave. This metaphor is meant to illustrate the effects of education on the human soul.

Which book of the Republic does Plato talk about education?

In book seven of the Republic, Plato talks about mathematics and dialectics. “Mathematics” refers to four branches of study: Mathematics, Plane Geometry, Solid Geometry and Astronomy. Earlier on, Plato had explained the roles of Music and Gymnastics in education.

Is the Republic a difficult read?

It’s going to be a challenge—it’s a challenge for everybody. Since the Republic is primarily a work of philosophy, there isn’t much of a conventional plot to move you along. All you have is the abstract thought-processes of Socrates to keep you on track.

What does the allegory of the cave teach us?

What Does The Allegory of the Cave Mean? Plato uses the cave as a symbolic representation of how human beings live in the world, contrasting reality versus our interpretation of it. These two ideas reflect the two worlds in the story: the world inside the cave, and the world outside.

What is Plato’s view of education?

Abstract. Plato regards education as a means to achieve justice, both individual justice and social justice. According to Plato, individual justice can be obtained when each individual develops his or her ability to the fullest. In this sense, justice means excellence.

Is the republic good for beginners?

Definitely not. It would be too difficult, and would also produce misunderstandings about Plato that would take years to overcome. It’s much better two start with two other, shorter works of Plato: Apology.

Is the republic hard to read Reddit?

I’ve searched online and found many saying it’s an ‘easy read’ and very ‘beginner friendly’, though I’ve also seen a few people mentioning difficulty as well. It’s a bit overwhelming, and I’m not really sure if I’m just approaching it in a sub-optimal way, or if it’s just more difficult than I’m giving it credit for.

What does the freed prisoner represent in the allegory of the cave?

The escaped prisoner represents the Philosopher, who seeks knowledge outside of the cave and outside of the senses. The philosopher who does not at first understanding reality and will eventually be killed for his beliefs.

What was Plato’s method of teaching?

But play was Plato’s teaching method. Children learned best in playful activities that attracted their enthusiasms, that “turned the eye of their souls” to the Good and True. Similarly, play was the best way for adults to learn and do philosophy, and it was the only way to discover new truth.

What is the best version of The Republic?

You can’t go wrong with Allen Bloom’s Republic. His translation is consistent and readable, while his footnotes helpfully nudge the reader to remember the subtleties of the original language.

Is the Republic good for beginners?

What philosopher should I start with?

The Best Philosophy Books for Beginners

• Plato: Five Dialogues by Plato.
• The Emperor’s New Mind by Roger Penrose.
• Mengzi: With Selections from Traditional Commentaries translated by Bryan W.
• Meno by Plato.
• Republic by Plato.
• Discourse on Method by Rene Descartes.
• Symposium by Plato.
• The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins.