POL200 - Week 8 Discussion Questions
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University of Toronto *
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Course
200
Subject
Political Science
Date
Dec 6, 2023
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docx
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2
Uploaded by taraterzi
Tara Terzi
POL200
Week 8 Discussion Questions
1.
Where would you situate Plato on the “nature” vs “nurture” question? Try to
answer using specific references to the text.
Plato would situate on nature.
-
According to Plato, the three classes of society are represented by the three parts of the
soul:
o
"Therefore, spiritedness is distinct from both the rational and the appetitive
partsof the soul (441c)."
o
Consequently, the soul is divided into three different elements.
o
Because these three components are a product of nature and not of external
influences, that’s why Plato can be seen on the nature side.
-
An individual’s soul contains the following virtues:
o
Since these virtues are found in an individual's soul, it implies they are naturally
present within people, again demonstrating Plato's reference to nature.
o
Wisdom is found in the rational part of the soul (441e).
o
Courage is the activity of the spirited part of the soul, regardless of pain and
pleasure (442c).
o
Self-Control is the harmony among the parts of the soul so that each part believes
reason ought to rule (442c).
-
Moreover, he contends that justice is inherently moral.
2.
After spending most of Book I dismantling other people’s definitions of justice,
Socrates finally provides some more (seemingly) straightforward definitions at 433
(p.108), gleaned from the preceding discussion of the ideal city. Do you agree that
these are logical conclusions from that discussion? Do you agree with this
conception of justice?
In Book I of Plato's "Republic," Socrates had a thought-provoking conversation about what
justice is. He first deconstructs other people's definitions before presenting his own interpretation
of justice, which he bases on the layout and operation of the perfect city. Socrates' definitions are
strongly related to the idea that each person should play the position for which they are most
qualified, therefore enhancing the efficiency and harmony of the entire society.
These definitions' logical consistency as deductions made from the ideal city debate might be
considered robust, particularly in light of Plato's philosophical framework. A just individual is
one whose soul (rational, spirited, and appetitive) functions in harmony, much as a well-ordered
city functions smoothly with each part playing its designated role. This is illustrated by using the
city as a macrocosm to understand justice in the individual.
However, one's personal philosophical, ethical, and social views may influence whether or not
they agree with this understanding of justice. In Socrates' opinion, everyone should play the roles
for which they are most suited. Harmony and order are also valued. This presents a convincing
picture of a society that is stable and runs well. However, it might also be criticized for its
presumptions about natural roles, which could be seen as inflexible or deterministic, and for
possibly restricting personal freedom.
In debates that take into account modern principles like individual autonomy, equality, and the
capacity for personal development, these concepts could be assessed differently. Though it is a
cornerstone of Western philosophy, the Platonic/Socratic conception of justice is only one
viewpoint in the vast field of intellectual discourse on the subject. Hence, one's agreement or
disagreement with this perspective relies on how these concepts align with their personal beliefs
about morality, society, and the place of the individual within it.
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