Glaucon

Human beings are raised to think in binaries. We subconsciously look at the world in only two different ways, either positive or negative. This confined perspective is the reason why human beings have such a difficult time appreciating differences in the world. An example of the injustices binary thinking creates can be seen in the hypothetical world presented by Plato in Allegory of the Cave. In the cave, a binary system exists between two opposing worlds. A lack of both knowledge and…

similar, views on what the “ideal” state should look like. These two distinct philosophies beg the question: who’s perfect state was best? Plato described a very utopian form of a city-state in Republic VI-VII. In these books, Plato’s characters, Glaucon and Socrates, argue about whether or not there is something more important than virtues and justice. From this, they agree that the form of good is of the highest importance. Socrates said, “It is our task…

Ancient Athenian Democracy Concludes an Unjustified Verdict of a Futuristic and Wise Man A court case requires evidence, accusers, the accused, and the jury. What links all these components together is a matter of persuasion through cross examining to prove the accused innocent or felonious. A court case also represents a cities governing and regulating systems efficiency. In the Trial of Socrates, one will come to discover the deficiencies of the accusers, Meletus, Lycon, and Anytus’ charges…

decides to challenge Socrates. If Thrasymachus could define justice in a better way than Socrates then Socrates would owe him money. Socrates then tries to explain to Thrasymachus that he does not have any money so he cannot accept the challenge. Glaucon assures Socrates that he does have money and he will be behind him every step of the way. Socrates does not understand why Thrasymachus would want to challenge him, for he never stated that he had an answer for what justice mean. Thrasymachus…

1. The Bronze Age Civilization of the Aegean took place during ca. 3000-1200 B.C.E This time period consisted of two civilizations, the Minoan (ca. 2000-1400 B.C.E.) and the Mycenaean (ca. 1600-1200 B.C.E). On the island of Crete, the Minoan civilization was centered in the palace of Minos at Knossos. This culture was thriving and traveled by sea quiet often. The palace consisted of frescoes demonstrating numerous aspect of Cretan life. Of all the frescoes in the palace the most recognized is…

Henry David Thoreau’s Civil Disobedience and Plato’s Allegory of the Cave reveal differences and similarities on their outlook on government and solutions to rid their prospective states of certain problems. These solutions focus on freeing oneself from conforming to societal norms in favor of seeking “enlightenment” and awareness. The aforementioned great minds of their times both argue variations of the same views on human existence and an individual 's role in their respective societies. At…

Since the dawn of time, humanity has come to question where does our knowledge stem from, what is the source of our inherit knowledge? How we come to know what we know? Has been argued and discussed in public areas or famous literal works. One of the earliest notable examples of literal works that offered an amenable answer to the millennium old question was written by Plato during the latter-end of his life, as prominent Athenian philosopher, his literally work reflected a time-period where the…

Plato is an ancient Greek philosopher and is known as one of the founding fathers of Western Philosophy. He wrote, The Republic, one of his best-known and influential works in 381 BC. In the books dialogue, Plato discusses the concepts of justice, the just man, and the just society. This ideal city is based on education, specialization, and social structures that define family, behavior, and loyalty to the city. The just city is a larger version of the just man, with three social classes:…

Plato’s Allegory of the Cave: Analysis Plato’s Allegory of the Cave starts off as a conversation between Plato’s brother Glaucon and Plato’s mentor, Socrates. In the story, Socrates describes a group of people who have lived their lives chained in a cave, facing a blank wall. The group of people watch shadows that are projected onto the wall. Shadows that consist of objects passing through between the prisoners and a fire. Every day the people in the cave watch these shadows and have given…

Plato’s speeches in the Symposium surprised me, because at first it seemed that he was presenting multiple viewpoints on Eros, and leaving the reader to interpret the writings as they pleased. Besides Socrates’ dialogue with Agathon, he only offers witty banter, and a story he overheard from the mysterious Diotima. The Phaedrus also speaks about love, but it returns to the traditional question/answer method of dialogue that Plato and Socrates are so fond of. The two pieces, when read separately,…