Analysis Of Plato's Utopia

Socrates, a well known philosopher that was put to death because of his beliefs. But before his death shared his beliefs and what he would do to create his ideal utopia with his student Plato. Now Socrates did not write, he would share his views just by word of mouth. So when Socrates passed, Plato created a book that showed what Socrates utopia would be like. But towards the end of the book it takes a turn that most people would disagree with. Plato shows that though some ideas would be good, Socrates’s “utopia” would never be a reality. In the first discussion of what the Utopia would be like, the topic of writing came up. Socrates wanted to control how writers and poets described what occurred in the past. This was to influence the children …show more content…
“That many happy men are unjust, and many wretched ones just, and that doing injustice is profitable if one gets away with it, but justice is someone else’s good and one’s own loss” (Book 3, pgs. 70). The children will be taught and brought up on good morals and should know what is right and wrong. So when growing up they will read things that tell stories that show doing an injustice is bad and they will be punished if done. Also will read about men’s courage and truthfulness. You must not lie to the city because lying to the city is worse than lying about your health to a doctor (Book 3, pgs.67). They should also be told about courageous men that when farther than their duties for the city and help benefit others. Last children should learn moderation though the things they read. Not being selfish and “purge” the city. They need to be looking at the ways …show more content…
So when they are older they would be great at their job (Book 5, pgs. 146). Not considering at such a young age that the child could be scared for life at what he or she sees on the battle field and would be scared to go into that line of work when they are older. In Book Five there also shows favoritism towards enemies. Socrates feels that they should show mercy to the Greeks when against them in battle. He decides that for Greeks if in battle they discuss to “make it a habit to spare the Greek stock” (Book 5, pgs. 149). This once again goes against what they wanted to teach the children that were going to grow and become guardians. That if you have done something bad that there is going to be a consequence and also that no matter what everybody would get the same