3. Historical background
Greek philosopher
Lived in a time were political decline
Oligarchy ruled Greece and this was shifting to direct democracy.
At the time of Plato, literature was immoral, as corrupt, as
degenerate and it was an object of hostile criticism.
For example : Homer Portrays the God as manipulative
He hate direct democracy which killed his teacher Socrates (refer
previous video)
4. Biography
Philosopher was born in Greece, 428BC
Family is politically and socially strong
After the death of Socrates, he established a school called
Academy which includes Math, astronomy, philosophy,
history.
He thought that this system would leave to great social
progress. His goal is to educate and strengthen the society.
Aristotle, disciple of Plato who studied in the academy.
5. Their philosophy bases for Western tradition and later used
in a modern era writers.
Add more information to get new theory.
Homer had major influence on Plato
Plato talks about merits and demerits of Homer
He built school in 387BC where as 11th century AD Britain
introduced schools and colleges.
1500years back Greek already started a concept of school
6. Major works
Apology – speaks about Socrates' ideas, major character was
Socrates. He Professing his own ignorance, he engages in
conversation with someone claiming to be an expert. The quest
for wisdom and the instruction of others through dialogue and
inquiry were considered by Socrates to be the highest man of
life.
“The unexamined life is not worth living”
In disguise of apology Socrates defending.
7. Republic
What makes a best government?
Strategy before choosing a ruler and all citizens must be
properly educated, wisdom, courage, justice.
The athletic training under 18 age
2 years of military services crucial.
10 years should be educated in math
5 years educated in dialect
Experience lot of debate in logic and reasoning
8. At the age of 35 become teacher
50 ready to lead the community
From the people a senior member would be philosophic
king.
Finally, he says only a great philosopher can be a great king.
11. If a chained person (left side, sitting figures) happened to
see the fire his eyes would burn because from the birth
they were chained and unmoved.
Already escaped person (standing outside) will see the
world and come again into the cave and convinced them.
He would say that what inside the cave is not a reality. He
represents Philosopher.
Prisoner are the common man depends upon the false
reality. They could see the shadow of the horse before
them.
It illustrates that Plato wants to educate the ignorant
people who believe that what they seen is real
12. Theory and forms
Physical realm:
Is material
Example: pen, pencil
Changing and imperfect
Spiritual realm:
Exist beyond the physical realm
Forms and ideas
Perfect and unchanging
Example : green color is perfect rather the object which possess green
color like green bag, green vegetables are imperfect.
13. Plato views on poetry
Art is mere imitation and therefore it is deceptive
Artist make you to believe that imitation is reality. According o
him art is imitation and deceptive.
Encourages passion and it let passion rule over intellect
Some poet said to be divinely inspired. Poetry is rational. Thus
these seemed to be unconsciously happened things but Plato
need to be conscious which is not rely upon rational element.
Poet should be morally good.
14. Poetry and all other art is useless
It will not serve to community or add knowledge
Arts leads to immorality.
Example: movie, where some audience was inspired by villian.
